Which Surgery is Better for Parotid Tumors: ECD or PSP?

Surgeons often face a tough choice when treating benign parotid tumors. They can pick between two main methods: extracapsular dissection (ECD) and partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP). Both have their pros and cons. But which one is safer and more effective? A recent study dug into this question. It looked at past research to compare the two methods. The goal was to see which one leads to better outcomes for patients. The study focused on things like how long patients stayed in the hospital, how much blood they lost, and how often complications happened. ECD is a less invasive option. It removes the tumor while keeping most of the parotid gland intact. This can mean a quicker recovery and fewer side effects. On the other hand, PSP removes a bit more of the gland. This might reduce the risk of the tumor coming back, but it can also lead to more complications.The study found that ECD might be the better choice for many patients. It often led to shorter hospital stays and less blood loss. However, both methods had similar rates of complications. This suggests that ECD could be a safer and more effective option for treating benign parotid tumors. But it's not that simple. The best choice depends on the patient and the tumor. Surgeons need to weigh the benefits and risks of each method. They should also consider the patient's preferences and overall health. In the end, this study gives valuable insights. It helps surgeons make more informed decisions. But more research is needed to confirm these findings. Future studies should look at long-term outcomes and quality of life. This will give a more complete picture of which method is truly best.