Risk Factors for Sialocele Formation After Parotidectomy

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

10:24 AM - 10:30 AM EDT

Location: 128

Introduction: Surgical intervention for parotid neoplasms remains the standard of care, with partial parotidectomies offering comparable outcomes and improved cosmesis and facial nerve preservation. Limited literature exists on the impact of parotidectomy extent on complications like sialocele . In this study we aim to describe rates of sialocele formation following parotidectomy and identify any associated risk or protective factors.

Methods: A departmental registry identified patients undergoing parotidectomy from 1/1/2018 to present at a tertiary institution. Exclusion criteria included revision surgery, total parotidectomy, prior malignancy or benign salivary tumors, head and neck radiation, accessory gland removal, or absence of tumor within the parotid. Data on demographics, surgical extent, tumor location, neck dissection, drain placement, postoperative scopolamine, sialocele, and complications were collected. Extent of surgery followed European Salivary Gland Society guidelines, and statistical analyses included Kruskal-Wallis and Pearson’s Chi-squared tests.

Results: Among 905 patients, 57 (6.3%) developed sialocele. Sialocele was associated with wound infection (p=.001), emergency department visits (p=.001), tumor location in the superficial lobe (96% vs. 85%, p=.019), and scopolamine use (18% vs. 35%, p=.003). Smoking history did not increase risk, and pack years inversely correlated with sialocele formation (p=.072). Rates varied by surgical extent, highest in superficial parotidectomy (8.2%) and lowest in partial deep parotidectomy (1.1%), though extent was not significantly associated with sialocele risk (p=.17). Drain placement and neck dissection also showed no correlation.

Conclusions: Sialocele rates were low (6.3%), with tumors in the superficial lobe more likely to result in sialocele. Higher rates were noted in cases with infections or scopolamine use, though the latter may reflect both prophylactic and therapeutic applications, potentially skewing results.

Presenting Author(s)

Jenna R. Schwartz, BA

M3
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
rochester, MN, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Co-Author(s)

CH

Cecelia M. Hidalgo, BA

Mayo Clinic Department of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
Katelyn S. Rourk, BS

Medical Student
Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine
Rochester, Minnesota, United States

Disclosure(s):
faculty for this accredited education activity has no relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.
Ali M. Hawa, MD

Dr
Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education (Rochester)
Rochester, Minnesota, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
RP

Richard Pendegraft, Other

Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
KT

Kendall Tasche, MD

Mayo Clinic Department of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
DP

Daniel L. Price

N/a
N/a
rochester, Minnesota, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
kV

kathryn M. Van Abel, MD

Professor
Mayo Clinic Department of Otolaryngology- Head & Neck Surgery
Rochester, Minnesota, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
LY

Linda X. Yin, MD

Assistant Professor
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

Senior Author(s)

EM

Eric J. Moore, MD

Professor and Chair
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, Minnesota, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.