Clinical and patient-reported outcomes between full-endoscopic and conventional parotidectomy: a prospective cohort study

Objectives: This study investigates the clinical and patient-reported outcomes of full-endoscopic parotidectomy compared to the conventional approach.

Methods: Between July 2021 and December 2023, patients who underwent parotidectomy were prospectively enrolled and assigned to either the full-endoscopic parotidectomy group (Group I) or the conventional surgery group (Group II). Clinical outcomes were evaluated, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed using a Visual Analogue Scale and five FACE-Q scales.

Results: A total of 293 patients were prospectively included, with 146 in the full-endoscopic group and 147 in the conventional group. Blood loss was significantly lower in the full-endoscopic group (regression coefficient, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.15 to 1.07), as was the rate of immediate facial paralysis (0.76; 95% CI, 0.25 to 1.27). The full-endoscopic group also showed superior outcomes on the Visual Analogue Scale (- 0.14; 95% CI, - 0.23 to - 0.05) and FACE-Q scales for Appearance-Related Psychosocial Distress (1.15; 95% CI, 0.59 to 1.71), Social Function (- 0.37; 95% CI, - 0.59 to - 0.15), Satisfaction with Facial Appearance (- 0.44; 95% CI, - 0.64 to - 0.23), Psychological Function (- 0.39; 95% CI, - 0.58 to - 0.20), and Satisfaction With Outcome (- 0.42; 95% CI, - 0.66 to - 0.19).

Conclusions: Full-endoscopic parotidectomy yields less blood loss and a reduced incidence of immediate facial paralysis compared to conventional surgery. Patients undergoing full-endoscopic parotidectomy reported better aesthetic and psychological outcomes.

Clinical relevance: The combined analysis of clinical and patient-reported outcomes is valuable in guiding surgical planning. These findings provide valuable insights for patients considering full-endoscopic parotidectomy and underscore the importance of addressing functional, aesthetic, and psychological aspects for both patients and healthcare providers.