Parotidectomy Defect: To Reconstruct or Not

Abstract

Program Description:

Parotidectomy is a common head and neck surgical procedure. While management options of facial nerve injury are well understood, the issues related to soft tissue deficit are underappreciated and frequently untreated. This miniseminar will characterize various parotidectomy soft tissue defects and describe the impact on facial cosmesis, Frey’s syndrome, and preparation of the wound for adjuvant therapy. A case based presentation will discuss the use of allografts, avascular autografts, and pedicled and free flaps to correct external surface and contour/volume defects. Frey’s syndrome and its prophylactic and symptomatic management will be discussed.

Educational Objectives:

1) Recognize cosmetic and functional deficits associated with parotid surgery. 2) Formulate reconstructive options for correction of surface and volume defects. 3) Evaluate pathophysiology and management of Frey’s Syndrome.