Parotid Surgery Beyond Parotidectomy: Function Preservation and Tailored Approaches

Parotid gland surgery is a key component of modern head and neck surgical practice, combining the delicate balance of oncologic control with the imperative of functional and aesthetic preservation. Historically, superficial and total parotidectomy have constituted the standard approach for both benign and malignant lesions. However, recent advances in imaging, intraoperative nerve monitoring, and a more refined understanding of parotid gland pathology have encouraged a shift toward less invasive, function-sparing techniques. Procedures such as extracapsular dissection and partial parotidectomy have demonstrated favorable outcomes for selected benign and low-grade malignant tumors, showing reduced morbidity and enhanced postoperative quality of life. Nevertheless, major questions remain regarding indications, reproducibility, and long-term oncologic outcomes, underscoring the need for collaborative research to better define the role of conservative approaches in current practice.This Research Topic aims to bring together diverse perspectives on the evolution of parotid surgery, from technical innovations to clinical decision-making frameworks that prioritize individualized patient care. The goal is to consolidate clinical and translational evidence supporting tailored interventions that optimize both oncologic safety and functional preservation, especially concerning the facial nerve and parotid secretory function. Contributions are invited to explore surgical planning, intraoperative navigation tools, reconstructive strategies, and patient-reported outcomes, ultimately helping to shape a refined paradigm for comprehensive, patient-centered parotid management.To gather further insights in the field of contemporary parotid surgery, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:• Comparative outcomes between traditional parotidectomy and limited resections (extracapsular or partial approaches);• Innovations in intraoperative nerve monitoring and facial nerve rehabilitation;• Diagnostic and prognostic imaging guiding surgical extent and tumor delineation;• Prevention and management of complications, including Frey’s syndrome and salivary fistulae• Reconstructive, aesthetic, and functional rehabilitation following parotid surgery;• Surgical management of recurrent, multifocal, or low-grade malignant parotid lesions;• Integration of multidisciplinary protocols across surgery, radiology, and pathology.The following article types are welcome, but not limited to: Original Research, Review, Mini Review, Case Report, Clinical Trial, Methods, Perspective, and Opinion. Topic editors: Małgorzata Wierzbicka, Dominik Stodulski, Suleyman Ozdemir Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83685/parotid-surgery-beyond-parotidectomy-function-preservation-and-tailored-approaches