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.