Modified V-shaped concealed incision versus S-shaped incision in the treatment of benign parotid tumors: a case-control study

Objective: To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a modified V-shaped incision for partial superficial parotidectomy in the treatment of benign parotid tumors, and compare it with a traditional S-shaped incision. Methods: : Fifty benign parotid tumor patients who required partial superficial parotidectomy were selected and randomly divided into two groups, treated with the modified V-shaped incision (V-group) and the traditional S-shaped incision (S-group), respectively. Intraoperative, postoperative, and follow-up indicators were compared between these two groups. Results: : There were no statistically significant differences ( P > 0.05) between these two groups in drainage volume, postoperative extubation time, postoperative hospital stay, periauricular numbness, fistulas, facial palsy, facial depression, incidence of Frey syndrome, scar score after 1-month follow-up, and 18-month postoperative recurrence rate. In terms of appearance satisfaction score 6 months after surgery, the V-group was superior to the S-group. When the tumor was located at the low part or its diameter was >3 cm, the surgical time in the V-group was longer than that in the S-group. Conclusions: : In surgery of benign parotid tumors, when the modified V-shaped incision is applied, the surgical time is prolonged only when the tumors are located at the low part of the parotid gland. For tumors at different sites, the V-shaped incision can achieve a better cosmetic effect than the S-shaped incision without inducing surgical complications.