Premium
Superficial musculoaponeurotic system flap in partial parotidectomy and clinical and subclinical Frey's syndrome. Cosmesis and quality of life
Author(s) -
Barberá Rafael,
Castillo Felipe,
D'Oleo Claudio,
Benítez Susana,
Cobeta Ignacio
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.23215
Subject(s) - cosmesis , medicine , parotidectomy , subclinical infection , surgery , quality of life (healthcare) , patient satisfaction , parotid gland , facial nerve , dentistry , nursing
Background Frey's syndrome (FS), facial depression, and noticeable scar may have an impact on patient's quality of life after a parotidectomy. The superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) flap has been used to ameliorate those effects. Methods Forty‐seven consecutive parotidectomies were analyzed; SMAS flap was performed in 26 of them. We investigated clinical FS, subclinical FS, and cosmetic satisfaction, and compared SMAS flap versus cases where this was not done. Results By performing the SMAS flap, the occurrence of clinical FS was reduced; however, there was no significant difference. Nonetheless, there was a significant difference in the perspiration intensity in favor of the group with SMAS flaps. In the cases we studied, the cosmetic satisfaction was high, even though facial contour‐filling techniques were not used. Conclusions Provided that the intensity of sweating is the main factor affecting the quality of life after surgery in patients, performing a SMAS flap renders the intervention worthwhile. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 36 : 130–136, 2014