Case-tailored indicated extracapsular dissection versus "one-size-fits-all" nerve dissection: Has the bet been won?

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to trace the development of surgical therapy in a large cohort, examine its changes at one single institution that has been specializing in salivary gland pathologies over the last 22 years, and to determine the extent to which a possible shift in the surgical therapy of parotid benign tumors towards less radical methods was correlated with a change in the incidence of facial palsy and Frey's syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical study. METHODS: A retrospective evaluation of the records of all patients treated for benign parotid tumors at a tertiary referral center between 2000 and 2022 was carried out. Surgical methods were classified into four groups: extracapsular dissection, partial superficial parotidectomy, superficial parotidectomy and complete parotidectomy. RESULTS: A total of 4037 patients were included in the study. Our analysis demonstrated an increase in the total number of parotidectomies for benign lesions from 71 (2000) to 298 (2022), mostly due to the increase in extracapsular dissections (from 9 to 212). The increased performance of less radical surgery was associated with a significantly decreased incidence of perioperative complications. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that the increased performance of less radical surgery was associated with better functional outcomes over the years.

An Alternative Method to Prevent Frey Syndrome After Resection of Huge Masses in Parotis: De-epithelialized Skin Flap Use.

Frey syndrome is still a significant problem in postparotidectomy patients 6 to 18 months after surgery. The most accepted theory of the pathogenesis of Frey syndrome is the aberrant regeneration theory. Creating a barrier between the remnant parotid gland and the overlying skin prevents Frey syndrome. A 51-year-old female patient who developed pleomorphic adenoma in the parotid gland was operated. After superficial parotidectomy, a barrier between the underlying postganglionic parasympathetic nerves in the deep parotid gland and the overlying cutaneous tissue was created with a local skin flap to prevent Frey syndrome. The patient was successfully treated, and she was followed up to 5 years. No postoperative complications were observed. No signs of Frey syndrome were found in follow-up. This case highlights that local skin flaps can be an innovative natural method as it is a quick and simple method to create this barrier in the presence of expanded skin.

An update on extracapsular dissection for the management of parotid gland pleomorphic adenoma.

Superficial parotidectomy has been the gold standard for surgical removal of benign mobile parotid gland tumours. The comparatively newer technique of extracapsular dissection, which involves careful dissection of the tumour itself without the need for formal gland excision, has gained popularity in recent years. Tumours can be removed via smaller incision, and the technique reduces the risk of Frey's syndrome (gustatory sweating) and hollowing at the site of surgery. The risk of facial nerve damage can also be lower with extracapsular dissection. If done carefully, the incidence of tumour recurrence, particularly for pleomorphic adenomas, is comparable with formal parotidectomy. We provide a brief update overview of the current evidence for extracapsular dissection in the treatment of benign parotid tumours and include several meta-analyses which provide evidence for the safety of the technique. We have also included our audited results of over 100 recent extracapsular dissections, with 0% incidence of permanent facial nerve weakness, reported Frey's syndrome and recurrence rates over the last 5 years.

Acellular dermal matrix for prevention of Frey's syndrome after superficial parotidectomy of benign tumors.

PURPOSE: To evaluate: 1) the efficacy of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) to prevent Frey's syndrome (FS) after superficial parotidectomy of benign tumors. 2) the effect of different follow-up intervals on the incidence of FS. METHODS: Fifty-five patients with benign parotid gland tumors underwent superficial parotidectomy were divided into two groups: Non-ADM group (n = 31, 56.3%) and ADM group (n = 24, 43.6%). The primary outcomes measure was the incidence of FS. The secondary outcomes were surgical site depression, infection, salivary sialocele, and salivary fistula. Subjective FS was evaluated using a clinical questionnaire submitted via WeChat at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 32 months postoperatively. Objective FS was evaluated using Minor starch-iodine test at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the incidence of subjective and objective FS when ADM compared with Non-ADM groups (P<0.05). The respective incidence of subjective FS at 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 32 months was 4.2%, 8.3%,20.8%, 20.8%, 20.8%, 20.8% in ADM group and 3.2%, 9.7%, 29%, 38.7%, 45.2% in Non-ADM group. The incidence of objective FS after 6 and 12 months was 4.2%, 8.3% in ADM group and 8.3% (2/24), 38.7% (12/31) in Non-ADM group respectively. Five patients in ADM group and 1 patient in Non-ADM group developed sialocele, and all patients resolved with conservative management. Surgical site depression was significantly higher in the Non-ADM group (15/31) compared with (5/24) in ADM (P=0.049). No cases of immune rejection, infection, hematoma, or salivary fistula were observed in ADM group. CONCLUSIONS: The current study demonstrated that 1) ADM could reduce the incidence of FS in the patients undergoing superficial parotidectomy. 2) the peak onset of about 18 months appear to be acceptable follow-up for the development of FS.

Use of Parotid Gland Fascia in the Prevention of Frey Syndrome After Parotidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Superficial parotidectomy is standard surgical procedure for parotid gland tumor, and Frey syndrome and depressed deformity of the region are often seen as complications. In this study, we performed prevention of Frey syndrome by covering the residual parotid gland defect with the parotid gland fascia flap. METHOD: The subjects were 5 patients with parotid gland tumor. Tumor was localized in the inferior and superior poles of the parotid gland in 3 and 2 patients, respectively, and it was confirmed on preoperative diagnostic imaging that the tumor and parotid gland fascia were not present in close proximity. Through Lazy-S incision, main trunk of facial nerve was identified and conserved following the surgical procedure of normal superficial parotidectomy, and the superficial parotid gland containing tumor was elevated. A parotid gland fascia flap with a pedicle on the nasal side was prepared and the defect after superficial parotidectomy was covered with it. RESULTS: The facial nerve and resected parotid gland stump could be sufficiently covered with the parotid gland fascia flap in all patients. The mean duration of postoperative follow-up was 36 months (10 months-4 years and 5 months), and there were no complications such as tumor recurrence, Frey syndrome, salivary gland fistula, or severe concavity in the parotid region. CONCLUSION: Although application of the present procedure is limited to patients in whom the parotid gland fascia and tumor are not located in close proximity, it may be useful to prevent Frey syndrome because extension of incision is not necessary, the surrounding tissue is not sacrificed, the flap can be easily elevated, and the parotid gland stump can be sufficiently covered.

Polyglycolic Acid Felt for Prevention of Frey Syndrome After Parotidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Frey syndrome is one of the important complications of parotid surgery. Placing a barrier between the parotid gland and the skin flap is considered to be effective for preventing this syndrome by blocking misdirected regeneration of nerve fibers. Neoveil is nonwoven polyglycolic acid (PGA) felt that is used as absorbable reinforcing material. The present study evaluated the effectiveness of this PGA felt as a barrier for preventing Frey syndrome. METHODS: A total of 19 patients who underwent superficial parotidectomy from 2012 to 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Application of PGA felt (n = 9) or sternocleidomastoid flap (SCMF) transfer (n = 10) was performed to prevent Frey syndrome. The total operating time, intraoperative blood loss, operating time after parotidectomy, and postoperative drainage volume were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The operating time after parotidectomy was significantly shorter in the PGA felt group than in the SCMF group (43.7 ± 10.7 vs 57.8 ± 15.7 minutes). The total operative time was shorter and the drainage volume was smaller in the PGA felt group than those in the SCMF group without statistical significance (210.1 ± 43.4 vs 234.3 ± 52.7 minutes and 80.6 ± 36.8 vs 118.8 ± 83.9 mL). Neither Frey syndrome nor other major complications occurred in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Use of PGA felt successfully prevented Frey syndrome, while being technically simpler and more rapid compared with SCMF transfer.

The Effectiveness of Sternocleidomastoid Flap Versus Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System Flap for the Prevention of Frey Syndrome and Facial Depressed Deformity in Parotid Surgery for Pleomorphic Adenoma.

The purpose of this study was to compare 2 types of reconstruction techniques: sternocleidomastoid (SCM) flap and superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) flap after partial parotidectomy (PP) for preventing Frey syndrome (FS) and concave facial depressed deformity. A total of 99 patients underwent PP for pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland. The patients were divided in 2 groups according to the dimension of the tumor: tumors less than 3 cm (group A, 47 patients) and tumors greater than or equal to 3 cm (group B, 52 patients). The patients in the 2 groups were assigned to 3 subgroups: PP without reconstruction (subgroup 1), PP and reconstruction with SMAS flap (subgroup 2), PP, and reconstruction with SCM flap (subgroup 3). In group A, the results of FS subjective symptoms, positivity of Minor starch test, and the median score of cosmetic results assessed with Visual Analogue Scale were as follows: in subgroup 1: 20%, 35%, 6; in subgroup 2: 13.3%, 13,3%, 8; in subgroup 3: 0%, 8.3%, 9. In patients of group B, the results were as follows: 60%, 73.3%, 3 in subgroup 1; 28.5%, 35.7%, 5 in subgroup 2; and 8.6%, 8.6%, 8 in subgroup 3. The study demonstrates a statistical difference (P < 0.05) both for subjective symptoms and for objective symptoms of FS when comparing the subgroup of SCM flap with the subgroup of PP without reconstruction for tumors greater than 3 cm. In tumors less than 3 cm, although there is an improvement of symptoms using SMAS or SCM, there is no statistical significance. The SCM is able to reduce the risk of the onset of both objective and subjective symptoms, whereas SMAS flap has a protective effect only in objective symptoms. The cosmetic results in this study were statistically significant both with SMAS and SCM but when comparing SCM versus SMAS the best results were for SCM.

Economic Analysis of Using Free Fat Graft or Acellular Dermis to Prevent Post-parotidectomy Frey Syndrome.

A decision tree was constructed to determine the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of grafting techniques used to prevent Frey Syndrome. The authors performed a sensitivity analysis to calculate what the probability of preventing Frey Syndrome would have to be and maximum costs associated with using grafting techniques to warrant their use as more "cost-effective" choice than using neither. Decision pathways utilized were uses of (1) free fat graft (FFG), (2) acellular dermis, and (3) no grafting. The probability of developing Frey syndrome and costs were extracted from previous studies to construct the decision tree. The primary effectiveness was the ICER of FFG or acellular dermis to prevent Frey syndrome. The initial outcomes included preventing Frey syndrome (effectiveness = 1) or developing Frey syndrome (effectiveness = 0). Compared with not using a graft, the ICER of using FFG and acellular dermis were $10,628 and $50,813, respectively. Frey syndrome was found in 2.6% of patients postoperatively in FFG group, 9.8% of patients in acellular dermis group, and 30.7% of patients who did not have a graft. The ICER shows absolute dominance of FFG with lower cost and high effectiveness over acellular dermis. This economic evaluation strongly supports the use of FFG over acellular dermis as cost-effective approach for prevention of postparotidectomy Frey syndrome.

Predictors for Frey Syndrome Development After Parotidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Frey syndrome is a common complication after parotidectomy. The aim of this study is to investigate potential predictors for development of Frey syndrome and explore their implications in additional prophylactic procedures. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to address these issues. METHODS: A computer search was performed to identify all patients who received parotidectomy from January 2009 to December 2011 in Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. Individual case notes were reviewed to retrieve details for analysis. RESULTS: A total of 155 parotidectomies were identified. Tumor size was the only statistically significant clinical predictor (Frey group: 43.5 ± 38.4 mm vs No Frey group: 33.1 ± 27.5 mm; P = 0.018). Disease pathology, type of resection, and previous treatments such as radiotherapy or parotidectomy did not appear to be associated with development of Frey syndrome.Post hoc analysis of our data showed that Frey incidence nearly doubled in patients with tumor size of 4 cm or greater (33%) compared to those with tumors that sized less than 4 cm (18%). CONCLUSIONS: Frey syndrome is common after parotidectomy. Tumor size is the only statistically significant predictor of its development. Routine preventive interventions, for example, use of acellular dermal matrix, dermofat graft or muscle flaps to prevent Frey syndrome, should be considered for high risk patients.

Prevention of Frey Syndrome With Temporal Fascia Flap in Parotidectomy.

The objective of this study was to evaluate a total parotidectomy performed through a face-lift incision integrated with a temporal fascia flap. We have accomplished a group of 40 cases of total parotidectomy from July 2008 to May 2013. Twenty-two cases accepted a modified performance which combined rhytidectomy incision with temporal fascia flap. The other 18 cases were fulfilled by Blair incision and no reconstruction of parotid bed as control. The patients were followed up every 6 months. In the interviews, the assessment of the operation from patients was recorded. The cosmetic gratification, presence or absence of gustatory flushing or sweating, and functional reversion of facial nerve and great auricular nerve were surveyed by 3 investigators. The criteria that integrated the subjective with objective items were stipulated for evaluation. Gustatory sweating had been identified in 0% and 44% of patients of the testing and control group, respectively. The average scale of the experimental and control group postoperatively was 7.89 and 5.93 individually. The difference of the average scale between testing and control group presented statistical significance. The author's technique is either aesthetically satisfying or efficacious to prevention of gustatory sweating in total parotidectomy.

Use of irradiate animal pericardium membrane for prevention of Frey's syndrome after parotidectomy.

BACKGROUND: Frey syndrome is a common complication that appears few months after parotid surgery with flushing and sweating of the parotid-temporal area during mastication. It presumably originates from an aberrant nervous regeneration in which the parasympathetic fibers of the parotid gland would combine themselves with the sympathetic fibers of the sweat glands and with the cutaneous vessels. AIM: In the present study we analyze the effectiveness of a collagenous membrane derived from animal pericardium (APM) to prevent Frey's syndrome after parotidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied a total of 40 patients with benign tumors of the parotid gland, including 30 patients with pleomorphic adenoma, 7 patients with Warthin tumor and 3 with basal cells adenoma. The patients were divided into 2 groups: group 1 (experimental n=20) executed superficial parotidectomy with replacement of bovine pericardial matrix (BPM); group 2 (control n=20) underwent superficial parotidectomy followed by reposition of superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) flap. All patients were questioned over their subjective symptom and tested with Minor's test after 12 months from the intervention and introduced in a follow-up of 3 years. RESULTS: Subjectively Frey syndrome was referred in 5% of patients in group 1 and in 10% in group 2, while 0 cases were observed in group 1 after the starch-iodine test, 2 cases in group 2 (10%). CONCLUSIONS: Considering the present results, although this study needs further implementation, we can affirm that BPM is a valid option in preventing Frey's syndrome whereas SMAS flap is not available.

Graft for prevention of Frey syndrome after parotidectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

PURPOSE: To detect the effect and safety of different types of grafts for the prevention of Frey syndrome after parotidectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The following data bases were searched electronically: MEDLINE (using OVID, from 1948 to July 2011), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL, issue 2, 2011), EMBASE (available from: http://embase.com, 1984 to July 2011), World Health Organization International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (July 2011), Chinese BioMedical Literature Database (1978 to July 2011), and the China National Knowledge Infrastructure (1994 to July 2011). The relevant journals and reference lists of the included studies were manually searched for randomized controlled trials studying the effect and safety of different types of grafts for preventing Frey syndrome after parotidectomy. The risk of bias assessment using Cochrane Collaboration's tool and data extraction was independently performed by 2 reviewers. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager, version 5.1. RESULTS: A total of 14 randomized clinical trials and 1,098 participants were included. All had an unclear risk of bias. The meta-analysis results showed that the use of an acellular dermis matrix can reduce by 82% the risk of Frey syndrome compared with the no-graft group using an objective assessment (relative risk [RR] 0.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.12 to 0.26; P < .00001; Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation [GRADE] quality of evidence: high). The acellular dermis matrix can also reduce by 90% the risk of Frey syndrome compared with the no-graft group using a subjective assessment (RR 0.10, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.22; P < .00001; GRADE quality of evidence: high). The muscle flaps can reduce by 81% the risk of Frey syndrome compared with the no-graft group (RR 0.19, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.27; P < .00001; GRADE quality of evidence: high). No statistically significant difference was found between the acellular dermal matrix and muscle flap groups (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.15 to 3.53, P = .70; GRADE quality of evidence: low). No serious adverse events were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The present clinical evidence suggests that grafts are effective in preventing Frey syndrome after parotidectomy. More randomized clinical trials are needed to confirm our conclusions and prove the safety of the grafts.

Systematic evaluation on the use of acellular dermis matrix graft in prevention Frey syndrome after parotid neoplasm surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To study the effectiveness and safety of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) graft in preventing Frey syndrome after parotid neoplasm surgery, we reviewed foreign reported clinical randomized controlled trials systematically. Based on this review, we aimed to assess the effectiveness of ADM graft and provide reliable evidence for clinical application. METHODS: We reviewed foreign-language databases, such as MEDLINE, applied meta-analysis with Rev.Man 5, and drew forest plots with odds ratio as effect size. RESULTS: Three trials were recruited. The morbidity of Frey syndrome in experimental group was significantly lower than that in control on both subjective index and objective index, with odds ratios at 0.03 (95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.11) and 0.03 (95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.12), respectively. There was no significant difference between ADM group and blank control in total adverse reactions and complication incidence, whereas results differed for a kind of specific adverse reaction or complication. CONCLUSIONS: Based on existing research data, implanting ADM could effectively prevent Frey syndrome, and its poor prognosis effects did not significantly increase, which suggested that its total safety was reliable. Nevertheless, further investigations about the difference on a specific adverse reaction or complication were still needed.

Dermofat graft after superficial parotidectomy to prevent Frey syndrome and depressed deformity.

Adequate tumor resection and preservation of facial nerve function are the primary goals of the parotidectomy. However, this technique may lead to undesirable effects, including a concave facial effect, Frey syndrome, and prominent scar.The aim of this study is evaluate the outcomes of facial symmetry and symptomatic Frey syndrome in patients having dermofat graft during superficial parotidectomy.The incidence of symptomatic Frey syndrome was lower in patients who received dermofat graft and so was the facial asymmetry rate, but these differences were not statistically significant.

Frey syndrome after conservative parotidectomy: Importance of closing the remnant parotid parenchyma.

BACKGROUND: Frey syndrome (FS) is a typical late complication following parotidectomy. Parotid surgery without proper coverage or reconstruction of exposed parotid parenchyma may contribute to the development of FS. Therefore, this study compared the closure versus the non-closure of exposed parotid parenchyma in the occurrence of FS. METHODS: This study included 195 patients with parotid lesions who underwent partial or superficial parotidectomy plus closure or non-closure of exposed parotid parenchyma, both with the application of fibrin glue. Two surgical methods of closure and non-closure were allocated to patients without randomization and blinding processes. The primary outcome was FS, and the second outcome was other complication rates. RESULTS: The closure and non-closure of exposed parotid parenchyma were performed in 102 and 93 patients, respectively. Early postoperative complications occurred with temporary events: transient facial weakness, 32 (16.4%); hematoma, 13 (6.7%); and wound infection, 2 (1.0%), without statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.1). However, sialocele occurred in the non-closure group (n = 19) more than in the closure group (n = 7) (P = 0.005). In the first postoperative year, decreased sensation and local pain were found in 16 patients (8.2%) and 9 patients (4.6%), respectively, with no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.1). FS was found more in the non-closure group (n = 19, 20.4%) than in the closure group (n = 4, 3.9%) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The closure of exposed parotid parenchyma and covering fascia is preferred over the non-closure to prevent FS.

Comparison of the use of allogenic acellular dermal matrix on rates of Frey syndrome post parotidectomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) use in reducing Frey syndrome (FS) rates in patients postparotidectomy. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of existing literature comparing rates of FS with and without ADM use. RESULTS: Eight studies were shortlisted for qualitative study, of which 7 compared rates of FS with and without the use of ADM. A total of 211 patients underwent parotidectomy with the use of ADM. Of these, mean patient age was 44.7 (SD ± 7.2); 89 of 159 were pleomorphic adenoma (55.9%), 29 of 159 with histological diagoses stated were Warthin's tumor (18.2%), and 159 of 211 were other histologic diagnoses (25.7%). Subjective and objective incidence rates for FS were 23 of 211 (10.9%) and 7 of 211 (3.3%), respectively. Patients in whom ADM barriers were used had significantly lower rates of subjective and objective FS (relative risk = 0.22; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.57; P = .002; and relative risk = 0.07; 95% confidence interval, 0.07-0.33; P < .001), respectively, compared to patients with no ADM. CONCLUSION: The use of ADM was associated with lower FS rates compared to no ADM and should be considered in routine use to prevent this condition.

Infrahyoid myofascial flap transfer for the prevention of concave deformity and gustatory sweating after parotidectomy.

OBJECTIVE: Concave deformities and gustatory sweating are the most common complications that cause substantial patient dissatisfaction after parotidectomy. Various surgical methods to prevent these complications have been described. However, effective techniques have not been established, especially in patients with medium- to large-sized parotidectomy defects. We evaluated the utility of infrahyoid myofascial flap reconstruction of parotidectomy defects for the prevention of these complications. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective case series study in patients with a benign or malignant parotid tumor measuring over 4 cm who underwent immediate pedicle infrahyoid myofascial flap reconstruction after total or subtotal parotidectomy or total resection of either the superficial or deep parotid gland at our hospital. Subjective analyses of facial symmetry, postoperative concave deformities of the anterior neck, gustatory sweating, voice disorders, odynophagia, neck scarring in the parotid and anterior neck areas, sensory disorders, pain, and neck stiffness were performed using patient interview data. Objective evaluations of facial symmetry were made by the first or second author. Both analyses were performed after a follow-up of more than six months. Additionally, patient demographic data, clinicopathological factors, parotidectomy and skin incision types, flap survival, and postoperative complications were evaluated. RESULTS: We included eight patients (male, n=5; mean age, 69.3 years [range, 37-93 years]). Procedures included total or subtotal parotidectomy (n=4), superficial lobe parotidectomy (n=2), and deep lobe parotidectomy with partial superficial lobe parotidectomy (n=2). Infrahyoid myofascial flaps reached the cranial tip of the parotid defect without tension, and their volume sufficiently filled the parotidectomy defect in all patients. There were no local signs of insufficient blood flow within the transferred flaps. Objective and subjective assessments were made after a mean duration of 1.2 years (range, 0.6-1.8). Postoperatively, no patient subjectively reported facial asymmetry. Objectively, facial symmetry was "good" in four patients and "fair" in four patients. No distinctly visible concave deformity in the parotid or anterior neck area occurred in any patient. Gustatory sweating occurred in one patient; this individual had the largest parotidectomy defect. Only one patient experienced donor site morbidity (mild anterior neck stiffness) related to infrahyoid myofascial flap elevation. CONCLUSION: Although complete prevention of gustatory sweating was unsuccessful, infrahyoid myofascial flap reconstruction of medium- to large-sized parotidectomy defects led to postoperative facial symmetry with minimal donor site morbidity.

Management of benign parotid tumors. What can we learn from our experience?

AIM: Parotid gland is the most common location for salivary gland tumors, more commonly pleomorphic adenoma and Warthin's tumor. Types of parotid surgery include superficial parotidectomy (SP), partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP), total conservative parotidectomy (TCP), enucleation (E), extracapsular dissection (ECD), and are related to different incidence of complications. The choice depends on tumors localization, dimension and histology. The aim was to compare complications rate such as facial and great auricular nerve impairment and Frey syndrome according to type of surgery performed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively review the management of 116 benign tumors of the parotid gland treated between January 2004 and January 2020 at our Department. RESULTS: Most frequent complication observed was a GAN deficiency (22.41%), permanent in 13% of cases. Post-operative facial nerve impairment was observed in 19 patients (persistent only in 1 case). Only Frey syndrome (4,31% of cases) seemed to be related to type of surgery (p<0.05) resulting more frequent in the group of patients that underwent "classical" parotidectomy, while facial nerve impairment, even if more frequent in this cases, did not statistically correlated with operative technique (p=0.054). CONCLUSIONS: Once experience is gained, in order to reduce post-operative morbidity extracapsular dissection is a reliable technique in the management of these neoplasms, even if attention has to be paid particularly in the removal of superficial masses "emerging" from the parenchyma. PSP is an alternative to SP, while CTP has to be reserved to selected cases ot tumors arising in the deep lobe. KEY WORDS: Benign tumor, Extracapsular dissection, Enucleation, Facial nerve Parotid gland, Parotidectomy, Superficial parotidectomy.

Superficial Parotidectomy: Impact of Postoperative Drainage.

BACKGROUND: Use of suction drain after superficial parotidectomy (SP) is based on national consensus considered best practice, but there is no evidence on the effect of the treatment. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effectiveness of drainage after SP by evaluating the rate of complications after SP in relation to the (ie, duration) of drainage and tumor size. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed involving data from all consecutive patients undergoing SP at the Ear, Nose, and Throat department, Regional Hospital West Jutland, Denmark, between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2017. Demographics including comorbidity, medication, tumor size, postoperative secretion through the drainage, as well as complications (hematoma, seroma, infection, fistulas, Frey syndrome, facial nerve palsy) were registered. Patients with secretion below 25 mL were compared to patients with secretion above 25 mL, that is, drainage less than 24 hours versus longer than 24 hours. Results: Two hundred five consecutive patients undergoing SP were enrolled. The overall risk of postoperative infection was 16.2%. Ten of 33 patients with infection were also diagnosed with an hematoma or seroma. The risk of infection increased with secretion above 25 mL (27.2%) compared to patients with less than 25 mL (13.1%; P = .0318). The same accounts for the risk of seromas/hematomas (P = .0055). We found no evidence that demographics or comorbidity correlated to the secretion in the drainage, but there is a tendency toward male gender having a higher risk off secretion above 25 mL (odds ratio 1.39). CONCLUSION: Overall, the risk of complications after SP increased with secretion beyond 25 mL (ie, drainage for more than 24 hours). This applied in particular to infections and seromas/hematomas demanding treatment. The use of routine drainage after SP is questionable, and a randomized trial is warranted to unravel the necessity of postoperative drainage.

Innovative technique to reduce incidence of Frey's syndrome after parotid surgery.

Frey's syndrome was first described by Lucia Frey, a Polish neurologist in 1923. It is well accepted that it involves injury to the branches of the auriculotemporal nerve with subsequent aberrant regeneration. Due to this abnormal communication, the skin glands and vessels are always stimulated at the same time as eating and mastication, which results in symptoms such as flushing and sweating. The incidence of Frey's syndrome in the literature has been variously described from 6 to 96 per cent. We analyzed the chart of 18 patients who had parotidectomy from March 2002 to December 2009. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon at the same facility. A total of 16 superficial and three total parotidectomies were done; one patient had bilateral parotidectomy. Oxidized regenerated cellulose (Interceed) was used after 10 surgeries (study group) and no adjuvant was used after nine surgeries (control group). All of the surgeries were done using similar technique. All the patients were followed-up with for a period of about 6 months postoperatively. The absolute risk reduction associated with the placement of an Interceed was 11 per cent. The small number of cases (n = 19) and an empty cell limits statistical analysis (a Fisher's exact test revealed a P value of 0.44). Clearly the low number of procedures restricted the power to test these differences. The development of Frey's syndrome is a very disabling but under-reported complication. The placement of a temporary barrier like Interceed may help in the prevention of Frey's syndrome without increasing any complications.