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.


METHODS
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.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Affiliated 2nd Hospital, Medical College, Qingdao University, Sangdong Province, China.
Y
Y
Jianjun
T
T
Tong
S
S
Wenzhu
S
S
Shanzhen
T
T
Jianguo
W
W
Fengcai
C
C
Xianliang
D000235:Adenolymphoma / Q000601:surgery; D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009208:Myoepithelioma / Q000601:surgery; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D012467:Salivary Gland Fistula / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome