Abstract: PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic factors after surgical treatment of recurrent pleomorphic adenoma. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 39 patients diagnosed with recurrent pleomorphic adenoma who received surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2010 to January 2015. Clinical variables, imaging features and surgical outcomes were analyzed using SAS 9.0 software package. RESULTS: Among 39 patients, 14 (35.89%) were female while 25 (64.10%) were male. Their age ranged from 31 to 72 years old (median: 45). 66.66% (n=26) of the patients underwent total parotidectomy, while 11 patients (28.21%) underwent superficial parotidectomy and 2 (5.31%) with partial parotidectomy. Facial nerves were sacrificed in 6 patients due to nerve invasion by tumors. Postoperative complications were reported as temporary palsy (n=29, 74.36%) and Frey's syndrome (n=9, 23.08%). Median follow-up time was 2.1 years, during which 3 patients re-recurred. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma is challenging from a surgical standpoint. Facial nerves are closely involved with these neoplasms. Close follow-up is necessary after operation.

Key words: Recurrent pleomorphic adenoma, Surgery, Facial nerve