Objective To investigate the risk factors and prevention strategies of salivary fistula after partial resection of parotid tumors, which provides a theoretical basis for clinical practice. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 168 patients, who underwent partial resection of parotid tumors from January 2019 to January 2023. Variables were assessed, including gender, age, smoking history, body mass index, tumor laterality, size, location, pathological type, surgical materials, surgical treatment (anterograde/retrograde nerve dissection), drainage duration, drainage volume, and compression bandaging duration. Results The incidence of postoperative salivary fistula was 3.57%(6/168). Multivariate regression analysis confirmed tumor location (deep lobe vs superficial lobe, OR=16.65, 95%CI: 2.68-103.30) as independent risk factors (P<0.05). Conclusions Deep-lobe parotid tumors and retrograde nerve dissection significantly increase the risk of salivary fistula. Minimizing tissue dissection, thoroughly eliminating dead spaces, and meticulous ligation of duct stumps during surgery can effectively reduce the incidence of complications.