Improving Surgical Guidelines for Parotid Tumours: Insights on the European Salivary Gland Society Classification from Clinical Practice


YILDIRIM S., Uyar M. S., GÖKCAN M. K., KÜÇÜK T. B.

Turkish Journal of Ear Nose and Throat, cilt.35, sa.2, ss.87-94, 2025 (Scopus, TRDizin) identifier

  • Yayın Türü: Makale / Tam Makale
  • Cilt numarası: 35 Sayı: 2
  • Basım Tarihi: 2025
  • Doi Numarası: 10.26650/tr-ent.2025.1653576
  • Dergi Adı: Turkish Journal of Ear Nose and Throat
  • Derginin Tarandığı İndeksler: Scopus, TR DİZİN (ULAKBİM)
  • Sayfa Sayıları: ss.87-94
  • Anahtar Kelimeler: Parotid Neoplasms, partial Superficial Parotidectomy, Pleomorphic Adenoma, Superficial Parotidectomy, Warthin’s Tumour
  • Ankara Üniversitesi Adresli: Evet

Özet

Objective: This study evaluates the European Salivary Gland Society (ESGS) classification system’s effectiveness in guiding surgical decision-making for benign parotid tumours. This study aims to identify limitations and propose refinements to optimise classification accuracy and surgical outcomes. Material and Methods: Operative records of patients who underwent parotidectomy for benign parotoid tumours between 2015 and 2019 were analysed. Tumours were classified using the ESGS system, and the recommended surgical approaches were compared with actual practices. Facial nerve paralysis rates and deviations from the ESGS guidelines were assessed. Results: Among the 185 patients, 55.6% had pleomorphic adenomas, 37.8% had Warthin’s tumours, and %6.4 had other benign tumours, with a mean follow-up of 18.72 months. Postoperative facial nerve paralysis occurred in 10.81%, increasing in the advanced ESGS categories with a permanent paralysis rate of 3.24%. All Category I tumours were managed with either a one-level parotidectomy or extracapsular dissection (ECD), aligning well with the ESGS recommendations. However, 22% of Category II Warthin’s tumours required more extensive resections, suggesting that the recommendation should be revised to “one-or two-level parotidectomy (most often partial superficial) or ECD.” For Category III tumors, compliance with the guideline was complete for Warthin tumors. However, the surgical management deviated from the guidelines in two cases of deep lobe pleomorphic adenomas. The recommendation should be revised to “two-level parotidectomy (more commonly superficial); tumours located in the deep lobe can be treated with three-or four-level parotidectomy.” It is also necessary to acknowledge that the guideline does not address multifocal benign tumours. Conclusion: The ESGS classification offers a valuable framework for surgical planning in benign parotid tumours; however, refinements are suggested to improve applicability, particularly for multifocal and deep lobe tumours. Further studies with larger cohorts are recommended to refine these guidelines, enhancing their efficacy in surgical decision-making.