Reconstruction of contour defects after parotidectomy using dermofat graft

Introduction After partial or total removal of the glandula parotidea, a visible contour defect may remain. Furthermore, complications such as salivary fistulas or Frey's syndrome may occur postoperatively. The transplantation of a dermis fat graft can counteract these aesthetic and functional problems and is described as an alternative to local muscle flap surgery.

Methods Description of the technique and case series. Evaluation of the rate of postoperative salivary fistulas, wound infections and Frey syndrome. Analysis of the esthetic outcome.

Results From 2018 to 2020, a parotidectomy defect was reconstructed in five patients with a so-called dermofat graft from the groin region. There were no wound infections, no salivary fistulas or a clinically apparent Frey syndrome. The cosmetic result was satisfactory in all cases and a contour defect was not visible. One patient had a punction-worthy sialocele.

Conclusion The dermofat graft is associated with a good esthetic outcome and a low rate of complications. It is therefore a good alternative to common reconstruction methods such as local muscle flaps.

Poster-PDF A-1828.PDF

Publication History

Article published online:
10 June 2020