Retrograde Parotidectomy and facial nerve outcomes: A case series of 44 patients

Purpose The most common surgical method to remove benign parotid tumors remains the prograde approach. We examined if a retrograde surgical technique offers better outcomes than historical prograde controls. Materials and methods A retrospective chart review at Stanford Hospital was conducted to identify retrograde parotidectomies between February 2012 and October 2014 that were staffed by the senior author (DS) with resident involvement. Facial nerve (FN) outcomes and other post-surgical parameters were recorded. Results We identified 44 consecutive cases and found that 18.2% (n = 8) of patients experienced temporary paresis and 2.3% (n = 1) experienced minor (HB 2) permanent paresis limited to one branch. The average hospital length of stay was 0.64 days and complication rate was 6.8%. Conclusion The retrograde technique has complication rates comparable to historical rates for the prograde technique and is amenable to minimally invasive outpatient superficial parotidectomy.