Use of a parotid fascia flap to prevent postoperative fistula.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of a fascia flap technique designed to improve the post-operative results of regional excision in cases of benign tumor in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland and to reduce formation of postoperative fistula.

STUDY

DESIGN

During surgery in each of 32 patients with benign tumor in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland, a fascia flap was raised from beneath the ear lobe, placed in its original position, and firmly sutured after regional resection of the tumor. The results were compared with those in a control group of 30 patients, whose operations were the same as those of the experimental group except for the fact that the fascia overlying the tumor was excised with the tumor in the controls.

RESULTS

The wounds of the 32 patients repaired with the fascia flap healed well without any complication. Among the 30 patients in the control group, fistula occurred in 4 patients (13.3%). The difference was significant when the 2 groups were compared (chi2 test: P = .049 , P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a parotid fascia flap in partial parotidectomy for benign tumors in the superficial lobe holds promise for the prevention of postoperative fistula formation.