Surgical management of pleomorphic adenomas of the parotid gland: a follow-up study of three methods.

Purpose: This retrospective study evaluated data pertaining to history, symptoms, diagnosis, and mode of therapy of patients treated for pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland.
Patients and Methods: The records of 475 patients were reviewed. Follow-up was done by questionnaires sent to the referring doctor.
Results: The total rate of recurrence was 0.9% after 475 operations for pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland. One recurrence (0.7%) was reported for the group with superficial parotidectomy and none for the group with total parotidectomy. The rate of postoperative side effects was also low. The facial nerve was affected in 1.4% after superficial parotidectomy, and in 3.3% after total parotidectomy.
Conclusion: The results of this follow-up study show that superficial parotidectomy for pleomorphic adenoma located in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland provides adequate therapy and generally avoids recurrence and side effects.