Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the clinical effect of anterior auricular extension incision in resection of accessory parotid gland tumors. Methods: Eight cases diagnosed as accessory parotid gland tumors underwent tumor resection surgery using the anterior auricular extension incision. Clinical data such as operation time, postoperative complications, and patients' satisfaction with incision appearance were recorded and analyzed. Results: Sufficient surgical field exposure was obtained in all cases and all tumors were completely resected. No salivary fistula, earlobe, or temporal numbness occurred. The function of facial nerve was well preserved in addition to surgical needs to remove facial nerve branches. No tumor recurrence was found during 18-24months follow-up. All patients were satisfied with the appearance of incision. Conclusion: The anterior auricular extension incision is a feasible surgical approach in the resection of accessory parotid gland tumor, which can achieve good surgical exposure and surgical results.

Key words: accessory parotid gland, tumor, surgical incision, facial nerve