RESULTS OF THE SURGICAL-MANAGEMENT AND HISTOPATHOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF 88 PAROTID-GLAND WARTHIN TUMORS

With the introduction of parotidectomy after identification of the fac ial nerve the recurrence rates for benign tumours has declined rapidly . Subsequently, attention was focused on other sequelae of parotid sur gery. To reduce the specific surgical morbidity, several modifications of parotidectomy have been implemented. This study compares the resul ts of the different surgical techniques with regard to the histopathol ogical findings and recurrence rate for Warthin's tumour of the paroti d gland. Eighty-eight primary surgical parotid procedures were perform ed on 85 patients for a Warthin's tumour. The surgical procedures incl uded 52 'partial' superficial parotidectomies, 22 'standard' superfici al parotidectomies, 12 partial superficial/deep lobe parotidectomies, and two 'selective' deep lobe parotidectomies. No patient developed a recurrence or experienced permanent facial nerve paresis/paralysis, th e median follow-up being 93 months. Histopathological examination reve aled a multifocal origin in 23% (20/88) of the surgical specimens. Par tial parotidectomy is an effective treatment for Warthin's tumour. The re is no need for extended follow-up.