Introduction
Driven by the advancement of surgical technique and operative adjuncts
(loupes and intraoperative nerve monitoring device), parotidectomy is a
safe and highly curable therapy, especially for benign parotid nodule.
Minimally invasive surgery in the forms of partial parotidectomy (PP) or
extracapsular dissection (ECD) have emerged and been gaining popularity
as a viable alternative of traditional superficial parotidectomy (SP)
[1]. The advantages of PP or ECD encompass shorter operation
duration, less complications and feasibility of day procedure [2].
Conventionally, placement of drain following SP, PP or ECD is routinely
practiced to prevent wound complications, such as seroma, siaolocele,
hematoma or wound infection. However, this can aggravate wound pain and
deter the conduct of day surgery. Tissue sealant has been shown to
reduce drainage output after parotidectomy and thereby potentially
enable drainless parotidectomy. Nevertheless, tissue sealant is not yet
widely employed during parotidectomy.
Usage of tissue sealant for drainless parotidectomy has been adopted
selectively in our institution at surgeons’ discretion since January
2019. Prompted by its rewarding results achieved, it has become our
routine practice since June 2021. We would like to share the technique
and results in our institution. Informed consents were obtained from all
patients for parotidectomy and usage of tissue sealant.