Rehabilitation of a parotidectomy patient--a systematic approach.
Parotidectomy is a common surgical procedure. Resultant contour defect, Frey's syndrome, and facial nerve rehabilitation deserve special consideration. Microsurgical techniques provide unparallel advantage for reconstruction of large-volume defects. Same-stage reconstruction of the defect is advocated and often beneficial to the patient. The importance of full communication between the extirpative and reconstructive surgeon cannot be underscored. Often, institutional and personal biases must be overcome to provide best quality care for the patient. This article provides a comprehensive review of the medical literature on the subject and contrives a systematic approach to the use of various reconstructive techniques.
Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Nebraska Medical Center and Nebraska Methodist Hospital, Omaha, Nebraska, USA. omilitsakh@unmc.edu
Oleg N
ON
Militsakh
Jeremy A
JA
Sanderson
Derrick
D
Lin
Mark K
MK
Wax
D006801:Humans; D010305:Parotid Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome