Sialocele formation after partial parotidectomy: Dependent on remnant parotid exposure.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the complete closure versus the exposure of remnant parotid parenchyma in sialocele formation.

METHODS: This study included 151 patients with benign parotid lesions who underwent partial parotidectomy plus the complete closure or exposure of remnant parotid parenchyma. Two surgical methods of closed or exposed parenchyma were alternatively allocated to consecutive patients without randomization and blinding processes.

RESULTS: Complete closure and exposure of the remnant parotid parenchyma were performed in 81 and 70 patients. Early postoperative complications occurred with temporary events: transient facial weakness, 24 (16%); hematoma, 9 (6%); wound infection, 1 (0.7%) without statistical difference between the two groups (p > 0.1). Postoperative sialocele was more frequently found in the exposure group (n = 15) than the closure group (n = 4; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS: The complete closure of remnant parotid parenchyma is preferred over the exposure of injured parenchymal parenchyma to prevent postparotidectomy sialocele.