An Alternative Method to Prevent Frey Syndrome After Resection of Huge Masses in Parotis: De-epithelialized Skin Flap Use

Abstract

Frey syndrome is still a significant problem in postparotidectomy patients 6 to 18 months after surgery. The most accepted theory of the pathogenesis of Frey syndrome is the aberrant regeneration theory. Creating a barrier between the remnant parotid gland and the overlying skin prevents Frey syndrome. A 51-year-old female patient who developed pleomorphic adenoma in the parotid gland was operated. After superficial parotidectomy, a barrier between the underlying postganglionic parasympathetic nerves in the deep parotid gland and the overlying cutaneous tissue was created with a local skin flap to prevent Frey syndrome. The patient was successfully treated, and she was followed up to 5 years. No postoperative complications were observed. No signs of Frey syndrome were found in follow-up. This case highlights that local skin flaps can be an innovative natural method as it is a quick and simple method to create this barrier in the presence of expanded skin.