Parotidectomy technique in the treatment of parotid tumours

A study of seventy different cases of parotid tumours, using subtotal as opposed to total parotidectomy in the treatment of benign tumours. In malignant tumours total parotidectomy was used, together with postoperative radiotherapy, as a standard procedure. The accurate meaning of subtotal parotidectomy is defined, comparing its indications as opposed to total parotidectomy. Preoperative biopsy is performed as a diagnostic procedure, and as a reference for the surgical decision. A new dissecting retractor is presented.