Reconstruction of limited parotidectomy defects using the dermofat graft.
BACKGROUND
Removal of part or all of the parotid gland may leave a visible contour defect and may also be associated with complications such as Frey's syndrome. These aesthetic and functional issues can be addressed using dermofat graft reconstruction. The aim of this study is to assess patient satisfaction and complications associated with using the dermofat graft for contour restoration in patients undergoing parotidectomy.


METHODS
Twenty-four patients who underwent parotidectomy and dermofat graft reconstruction between 2011 and 2015 completed a patient-reported outcomes instrument. Patient files and operative notes were also reviewed for all complications.


RESULTS
No major complications were reported. Two patients had parotid wound complications including minor dehiscence and sialocoele. Two patients had donor site wound complications including haematoma and groin seroma. No cases of Frey's syndrome were recorded. Patient's rating of cosmesis and overall health and quality of life were excellent at 1-42 months follow-up. The main symptom-specific issues patients reported were xerostomia and altered sensation in the distribution of the great auricular nerve.


CONCLUSIONS
Dermofat graft is associated with high rates of patient satisfaction and a low incidence of complications.
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse at RPA, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
My
M
Pham
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse at RPA, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Timothy J
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3426-9441
TJ
Eviston
Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse at RPA, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.|Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.|South Western Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
Jonathan R
JR
Clark
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000637:transplantation*; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D020405:Dermis / Q000637:transplantation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000601:surgery*; D063868:Patient Outcome Assessment; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000473:pathology; D011788:Quality of Life; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000601:surgery*; D019737:Transplants / Q000637:transplantation*; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000209:etiology
parotid gland; patient outcome assessment; personal satisfaction; reconstructive surgical procedure; salivary glands; tissue grafts