Autologous Vein Graft for Reconstruction of Duct Defect Following Surgery for Parotid Duct Cyst.

Parotid cyst is an uncommon salivary gland cyst; particularly the retention cyst formed in the main duct of the parotid gland is exceedingly rare. Previously, the management of parotid duct cysts typically necessitated excision of salivary gland tissue, potentially resulting in various complications such as salivary fistula, facial nerve injury, and loss of glandular function. The authors present a novel approach utilizing autogenous vein grafts for repairing duct defects post-surgery in a patient with parotid duct cyst. The purpose of adopting this method was to preserve the function of the parotid gland to the greatest extent possible. A 5-month postoperative follow-up indicated that the patient's facial swelling had disappeared. However, sialography of the right parotid gland revealed visualization of the anterior end of the dominant duct, with the disappearance of the cystic image behind it. The remaining segments of the dominant duct and its branch ducts were not visualized, while the left parotid duct system remained normal. The authors present this case to conduct an in-depth analysis of the reasons for the failure and to explore the feasibility of this treatment approach. The authors' aim is to provide a reference for future clinical practice, reduce the incidence of similar failures, and accumulate valuable experience for colleagues in oral medicine.