Function-preserving surgery via single transverse cervical incision for Warthin's tumor in the parotid gland

Head Neck. 2022 Jun;44(6):1335-1341. doi: 10.1002/hed.27027. Epub 2022 Mar 3.

Abstract

Background: This study evaluated functional and disease control outcomes after gland-preserving surgery via a single transverse cervical incision for Warthin's tumor of the parotid gland.

Methods: One-hundred eleven patients with Warthin's tumor underwent the preservation of most normal parotid tissues and the facial nerve combined with the en-bloc resection of tumors. Postoperative complications, subjective satisfaction, salivary function, and metachronous tumor were assessed in each patient.

Results: No patients had an extension to modified Blair or periauricular incision with the median operation time of 32 min. Temporary and permanent paralysis of the facial nerve was 5 (4.0%) and none of 125 tumor resection sides, respectively. Postoperative complications were minimal. The secretory functions between the affected and unaffected glands did not differ. One patient had metachronous tumor for a median follow-up of 72 months.

Conclusion: Functional gland-preserving surgery via single transverse cervical incision can safely treat Warthin's tumor in the parotid gland.

Keywords: Warthin's tumor; function; metachronous tumor; parotid gland; preservation.

MeSH terms

  • Adenolymphoma* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Neck
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary*
  • Parotid Gland / surgery
  • Postoperative Complications