Abstract
Introduction Most patients after either superficial or total parotidectomy develop facial deformity
and Frey syndrome, which leads to a significant degree of patient dissatisfaction.
Objective Assess the functional outcome and esthetic results of the superiorly based sternocleidomastoid
muscle (SCM) flap after superficial or total parotidectomy.
Methods A prospective cohort study for 11 patients subjected to parotidectomy using a partial-thickness
superiorly based SCM flap. The functional outcome (Frey syndrome, facial nerve involvement,
and ear lobule sensation) and the esthetic results were evaluated subjectively and
objectively.
Results Facial nerve palsy occurred in 5 cases (45%), and all of them recovered completely
within 6 months. The Minor starch iodine test was positive in 3 patients (27%), although
only 1 (9%) subjectively complained of gustatory sweating. The designed visual analog
score completed by the patients themselves ranged from 0 to 3 with a mean of 1.55 ± 0.93;
the scores from the blinded evaluators ranged from 1 to 3 with a mean 1.64 ± 0.67.
Conclusion The partial-thickness superiorly based SCM flap offers a reasonable cosmetic option
for reconstruction following either superficial or total parotidectomy by improving
the facial deformity. The flap also lowers the incidence of Frey syndrome objectively
and subjectively with no reported hazard of the spinal accessory nerve.
Keywords
parotid gland - facial paralysis - gustatory sweating - surgical flaps
