Maxillofacial complications after parotidectomy: a systematic review

Abstract

There is significant concern regarding parotidectomy due to its possible complications and diagnoses, making precise knowledge of anatomy extremely important, so that there is an understanding of the pathological processes that occur that can cause limitations in mouth opening and consequent vascular paralysis and salivary fistulas, such as among other complications. The present study aimed to evaluate the technical restrictions and complications of parotidectomy in the treatment of variations of benign and malignant conditions related to the plexus of maxillofacial structures. A systematic review of articles with PRISMA systematization was carried out from 2021 to 2024. Using Pubmed as a basis, English, Portuguese and Spanish inclusion criteria. with descriptor “Parotidectomy, Maxillofacial and Prevalence”. Studies demonstrate that conventional superficial parotidectomy and partial superficial parotidectomy surgery is very effective in treating some of these pathological changes, and highlight the importance of the professional establishing an accurate diagnosis and knowing the correct technique, in order to indicate this therapeutic modality for patients with real indication. From this, incidences and predictive factors of parotidectomy complications were found. As it is a surgical therapy, some professionals give priority to conservative parotidectomy treatments; if there are no promising results, start treatment with radical parotidectomy.