Vascularized Fascia Lata for Prevention of Postoperative Parotid Fistula Arising From Partial Parotidectomy During Neck Dissection.

PURPOSE: Postoperative parotid fistula can occur after partial parotidectomy, which is a routine surgical procedure during neck dissection of oral cancers arising from or close to the oropharyngeal area. The aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability of vascularized fascia lata for the prevention of postoperative parotid fistula after neck dissection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with oral cancer who underwent ablative resection involving the parotid tail and reconstruction using the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap with a vascularized fascia lata paddle. The vascularized fascia lata paddle was used to seal off the parotid stump by tightly suturing the edges of the fascia lata and parotid wound together.

RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (18 men and 5 women) with primary oral cancer arising from or close to the oropharyngeal area were enrolled. The mean area of parotid defect was 16.7 cm2 and the mean area of fascia lata harvested was 21.8 cm2 . All flaps survived. Pressure dressing or anticholinergic drugs were not used in any case. During the follow-up period, there was no clinical evidence of the development of parotid fistula.

CONCLUSION: The vascularized fascia lata paddle is a reliable option for the prevention of postoperative parotid fistula after neck dissection of oral cancer.