Combined sialendoscopic/mini-preauricular microscopic approach for large proximal parotid sialolithiasis.

OBJECTIVE: To describe and evaluate a combined approach for sialendoscopic stone localization with microscopic mini-preauricular incision external stone extraction as a gland-sparing minimally invasive surgical management in cases of large proximal duct or intraparenchymal parotid gland sialolithiasis. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of a single primary surgeon's patient series of 21 cases operated in a 5-year period in a tertiary care university and private practice hospitals. RESULTS: Study included 16 males and five females, with age range 12-68 years (mean 40.9 ± 14.5). Nineteen out of the 21 patients had their stones completely removed (90.5%), with two not completing the procedure due to inability of intraoperative endoscopic stone visualization. In total 25 stones were extracted with six patients having two stones. Longest diameter of single (or first) stone was 5-16 mm (mean 9.1 ± 2.9) and second was 3-5 mm (mean, 3.9 ± 0.6). Endoscopic findings showed 14/25 stones in the proximal main parotid duct and 11/25 in one of its secondary parenchymal branches. Stents were used in 4/19 cases (21.1%). No major complications occurred. Minor complications included two postoperative conservatively managed seromas. All 19 cases had completely intact facial nerve function, good parotid salivary flow and acceptable esthetic result after median follow-up period of 26 months (range 6-62). CONCLUSION: The combined sialendoscopic/microscopic mini-preauricular approach is a highly effective and safe gland-preserving method for large proximal parotid sialolithiasis management with a main limitation being inability to visualize the stone endoscopically.

Unusual Isolated Parapharyngeal Second Branchial Cleft Cyst: A Case Report and Literature Review.

Second branchial cleft cysts (BCCs) are common congenital causes of neck swellings; however, isolated parapharyngeal space presentation is extremely rare, with only sporadic cases reported. Our objectives in this report are to describe a case and review different diagnostic and management strategies adopted in the current world literature. The case presented is a 26-year-old female with a large isolated parapharyngeal BCC extending to skull base in which first presenting symptoms were referred otalgia and painful side-to-side head rotation for months followed by odynophagia. A previously ordered computed tomography (CT) scan suspected a parapharyngeal abscess. Correct diagnosis was preoperatively achieved using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showing a 3.1 × 3.4 × 5.4 cm parapharyngeal BCC. Cyst was completely surgically excised transoral without complications. No evidence of recurrence has been noted after 24-month follow-up. A comprehensive world literature search for all reported cases in the last 30-years revealed thirty cases in 23 separate case reports with different diagnostic and surgical modalities adopted. Presentation and management strategies in such rare cases are discussed in detail. Our study shows that although rare, BCC diagnosis should be kept in mind while dealing with isolated parapharyngeal space swellings with MRI being key for successful preoperative diagnosis. If encountered, the transoral route can be a safe, aesthetically pleasing and effective way for complete surgical excision in contrast to most other parapharyngeal swellings, which are usually better excised via a transcervical approach.