Facial Plast Surg 2015; 31(04): 376-381
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1563535
Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.

Penetrating Trauma to the Parotid Gland

Matthias Tisch
1   Klinik für Hals-Nasen-Ohrenheilkunde, Kopf Halschirurgie, Bundeswehrkrankenhaus Ulm, Ulm, Germany
,
Susanne Maier
2   Klinik für Unfall-, Hand-, Plastische und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universität Ulm, Ulm, Germany
,
Heinz Maier
3   Privatpraxis HNO, Ulm, Areion Med GmbH, Neu-Ulm, Germany
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
15 September 2015 (online)

Abstract

Penetrating trauma to the parotid gland may present unique challenges especially when Stensen duct, neurovascular structures, and/or collateral organs are involved. Especially ballistic injuries caused by high-velocity projectiles or fragments of grenades and improvised explosive devices are often associated with massive tissue damage and a high risk of infections and other posttraumatic complications. Because penetrating parotid trauma is not very common, only limited information on the primary treatment of such injuries is available. This article gives a short overview about actual aspects on diagnosis and treatment strategies especially focusing on ballistic parotid injuries.