A modified centripetal approach to parotidectomy.

A modified centripetal approach to parotidectomy is reported. A total of 422 benign parotid tumors, 383 of which were primary and 39 of which were recurrent, were treated by this technique. The pleomorphic adenoma was the most common type (94.79%) in the series. Superficial parotidectomy was done in 178 cases, and total parotidectomy, in 244 cases. No permanent facial paralysis occurred after parotidectomy in the primary tumor group. Seven recurrences were observed after surgery in the recurrent tumor group.