Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the outcome of the standard trans-cervical approach and modified trans-cervical approach regarding cosmesis and complications outcomes in a tertiary hospital in Nigeria. METHODS: In this study, 25 patients with submandibular salivary gland lesions adjudged not to be malignant neoplasia were included. They were randomised into the two groups by balloting method. RESULTS: Twelve (48 per cent) patients had the traditional transcervical approach while 13 (52per cent) had the modified approach. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of general complication, transient paresthesia and wound infection (p > 0.05). The presence of a non-visible scar was reported in almost 85 per cent of patients in the modified trans-cervical approach group compared to 50 per cent in the standard trans-cervical approach group. CONCLUSIONS: Though by observation the modified trans-cervical approach was superior to the standard trans-cervical approach, the differences were statistically insignificant.