Optimal surgical management of parotid pleomorphic adenoma is important because of a considerable risk of tumour recurrence and complications. Our series of primary surgery cases with standardised parotidectomy technique in a university hospital were evaluated. Medical records of 295 patients treated from 1987 to 1999 were reviewed, and 171 patients answered a questionnaire about long-term sequelae. Sixty-two patients reporting major complications were re-examined in the hospital. At a mean follow-up of 8 years, one patient (0.6%) re-appeared with a recurrence. Twenty-four percent left the hospital with a partial and 3% with a complete paresis. Only 5% developed a permanent partial paresis, whereas a permanent total paresis was not seen. Half of the patients indicated gustatory sweating, but treatment was required in only 6%. Other major permanent complications were not seen. Treatment of pleomorphic adenoma by standardised parotidectomy in a university hospital demonstrates favourable results with low perioperative and long-term morbidity, as well as minimal risk of tumour relapse.