Prevalence and risk factors of sialocele formation after partial superficial parotidectomy: A multi-institutional analysis of 357 consecutive patients

Background The purpose of this study was to identify the prevalence of sialoceles and the risk factors associated with their formation after parotidectomy. Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of the data from consecutive patients who underwent partial superficial parotidectomy of parotid tumors. Demographic data, preoperative imaging results, operative variables, including tumor type, incision type, tumor size, and method of parenchymal disruption were assessed. Results Twenty-three of 357 patients (6.4%) undergoing partial superficial parotidectomy developed sialoceles during the postoperative period. Sialoceles occurred more often in patients who had tumors in the anterior portion of the parotid gland. Multivariate analysis showed that an anterior tumor location was a significant risk factor for sialocele formation. Conclusion The incidence of sialocele development was 6.4% in patients undergoing partial superficial parotidectomy. An anterior tumor location may increase the risk of sialocele formation.