Sialocele after Parotid Surgery

Abstract

Objective To assess possible factors contributing to the occurrence of a sialocele after parotid surgery. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Secondary otolaryngology service. Methods One hundred two consecutive parotid operations by 1 surgeon were recorded. A high rate of sialocele formation was addressed by identifying possible contributing factors, sequentially introducing changes, and then analyzing the effect of such changes. Results Twenty patients developed a sialocele (19.6%). Demographic variables of those who developed a sialocele were similar to those who did not. Factors examined included partial versus complete superficial parotidectomy, use of Surgicel, vacuum drain pressure, and postoperative duration for surgical drain. The only significant factor on regression analysis for increasing the risk of a sialocele development was the use of Surgicel ( P = .023). Once the use of Surgicel stopped, the rate of sialocele formation diminished markedly (from 28.6% to 11.3%). Conclusions Sialocele can cause significant problems for the patient and surgeon in terms of delayed wound healing and increased clinic resources and frustration. This study suggests that the use of products such as Surgicel increases the risk of postoperative sialocele formation.