Frey syndrome after conservative parotidectomy: Importance of closing the remnant parotid parenchyma

Background: Frey syndrome (FS) is a typical late complication following parotidectomy. Parotid surgery without proper coverage or reconstruction of exposed parotid parenchyma may contribute to the development of FS. Therefore, this study compared the closure versus the non-closure of exposed parotid parenchyma in the occurrence of FS. Methods: This study included 195 patients with parotid lesions who underwent partial or superficial parotidectomy plus closure or non-closure of exposed parotid parenchyma, both with the application of fibrin glue. Two surgical methods of closure and non-closure were allocated to patients without randomization and blinding processes. The primary outcome was FS, and the second outcome was other complication rates. Results: The closure and non-closure of exposed parotid parenchyma were performed in 102 and 93 patients, respectively. Early postoperative complications occurred with temporary events: transient facial weakness, 32 (16.4%); hematoma, 13 (6.7%); and wound infection, 2 (1.0%), without statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.1). However, sialocele occurred in the non-closure group (n = 19) more than in the closure group (n = 7) (P = 0.005). In the first postoperative year, decreased sensation and local pain were found in 16 patients (8.2%) and 9 patients (4.6%), respectively, with no statistical difference between the two groups (P > 0.1). FS was found more in the non-closure group (n = 19, 20.4%) than in the closure group (n = 4, 3.9%) (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The closure of exposed parotid parenchyma and covering fascia is preferred over the non-closure to prevent FS. (c) 2023 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study compared the closure versus the non-closure of exposed parotid parenchyma in the occurrence of Frey syndrome (FS). The results showed that closure of the exposed parotid parenchyma and covering fascia are preferred over non-closure to prevent the development of FS.