Frey's syndrome following submandibular gland excision: an unusual postoperative complication.
Gustatory sweating and flushing, or Frey's syndrome, is a fairly common complication following surgery or injury to the parotid gland and is thought to be caused by aberrant nerve regeneration. A similar condition has been reported in the literature following surgery to the submandibular region. Since this was first described in 1934, only 7 subsequent cases of submandibular sweating and flushing have been reported. We present a case of a 52-year-old female who underwent excision of the left submandibular gland as a result of chronic sialadenitis. Twelve months following surgery, symptoms indicative of Frey's syndrome were experienced in the operative region. A review of the aetiology and treatment of the condition is described.
Teague
A
A
Department of Oral and Facial Surgery, Gwynedd General Hospital, Gwynedd, UK.
Akhtar
S
S
Phillips
J
J
D005260:Female; D005483:Flushing / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012793:Sialadenitis / Q000601:surgery*; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000601:surgery*; D013547:Sweating, Gustatory / Q000209:etiology*; D013577:Syndrome