[Frey syndrome].
OBJECTIVE
The incidence of Frey's syndrome after parotidectomy as cited in the literature varies distinctively. Strategies for successful treatment are also assessed differently.


METHODS
Between 1980 and 1994 a total of 372 parotidectomies were performed in 364 patients at the Bochum University Hospital.


RESULTS
After an average of 18 months following parotidectomy, 86 patients (23.5%) developed Frey's syndrome. Thirty-five patients were treated with scopolamine ointment. The symptoms improved in nine cases after an average of 25 months of therapy. Of the patients receiving no treatment (n = 20), seven improved after an average follow-up of 20 months. Therapy with scopolamine ointment did not elicit significantly better results compared to no treatment at all.


CONCLUSIONS
Gustatory sweating after parotidectomy still has to be regarded as an unpleasant complication which is difficult to cure.
Klinik für Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie, Zentralkrankenhaus St.-Jürgen-Strasse, 28205 Bremen.
A
A
Bremerich
H
H
Eufinger
J
J
Rustemeyer
M
M
Schaus
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D012601:Scopolamine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013547:Sweating, Gustatory / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D012601:Scopolamine