Conclusions
Submandibular gland resection by retroauricular hairline approach increases the operative time and wound length compared to the conventional approach. However, there was no significant difference in intraoperative bleeding volumes, postoperative drainage, and long-term postoperative nerve damage between the two groups. This meta-analysis provides a reference for the choice of surgical approach for submandibular gland resections. The postauricular hairline approach provides better cosmetic results without increasing the incidence of long-term postoperative nerve damage. However, the impact of longer surgical durations and increased risk of temporary earlobe numbness cannot be ignored. Further studies with larger samples and additional outcome indicators are required to validate these findings.