The incidence of Frey's syndrome.

AIMS: The incidence of Frey's syndrome after parotidectomy greatly varies in the literature. The aim of this study was to analyse the incidence with the help of a new series of patients and to discuss and review the results.

PATIENTS: 372 patients (age: 50.7+/-11.6 yrs) underwent unilateral parotidectomy. In 203 subjects the insertion of a sternocleidomastoideus flap in the parotid area was performed intraoperatively.

METHODS

Patients were followed-up concerning the clinical presence of gustatory sweating and flushing after secretory stimulation, and were questioned about suffering in everyday life.

RESULTS

86 patients (23.5%) developed Frey's syndrome after an average of 12 months (12.3+/-9.9 months) following parotidectomy. Only 44% of the patients with Frey's syndrome were symptomatic. No benefit concerning Frey's syndrome following application of a sternocleidomastoideus flap was seen.

CONCLUSION

Gustatory sweating after parotidectomy must still be regarded as an unpleasant and common complication. Nevertheless, it is more the subjective suffering of the patients than the incidence that makes prevention important.