This is a retrospective study from Naples, Italy. The authors analyse and compare patients that had benign parotid disease that were reconstructed with three different techniques. Between February 2002 and March 2009, 224 patients were included; these patients had either formal superficial parotidectomy or extra capsular dissection and were reconstructed by superficial musculo-aponeurotic system (SMAS) flap, sternocleidomastoid muscle flap or a temproparietal fascia flap. The surgical approach was a modified face lift one and only patients with a pleomorphic adenoma or a Warthins were included. The authors conclude all three reconstructive techniques drastically reduce post parotid Frey’s syndrome. There is some discussion of raising the three flaps but it is limited. They advise the SMAS flap to reconstruct in middle aged patients, the sternocleidomastoid (SCM) in patients with recurring neoplastic disease and the temporoparietal fascia (TPF) flap in other patients. It would be interesting to check a similar number patients with no reconstruction and compare the outcomes and especially the quality of life. Similarly it would be interesting to check on the numbers of surgeons that perform immediate reconstruction and if it is indicated.
Reconstruction after parotid surgery
Reviewed by Sunil K Bhatia
Reconstructive techniques of the parotid region.
