Soft tissue augmentation options for volume replacement following parotidectomy: A review of the literature.

BACKGROUND

Salivary gland tumors primarily arise in the parotid gland with surgery representing the cornerstone of treatment. Parotidectomies often lead to a soft tissue deficit that may benefit from reconstruction to reduce incidence of Frey's syndrome, improve aesthetic outcomes, and allow for appropriate postoperative therapies. Several options exist including avascular tissue transfer, locoregional tissue flaps, and microvascular free flaps.

METHODS

This paper is a literature review exploring the efficacy of the various reconstructive options, and includes randomized control trials, prospective studies, and retrospective studies from 1999 to 2024.

RESULTS

The literature demonstrates that any reconstructive option is superior to no reconstruction in reducing the risk of FS and in improving cosmetic outcomes without increasing the risk of postoperative complications including hematomas and sialoceles.

CONCLUSIONS

While literature demonstrates that reconstruction is beneficial in parotidectomies, the existing literature does not provide an adequate comparison of options to guide surgeons in making an informed choice.