Factors influencing Frey syndrome after parotidectomy with acellular dermal matrix.

BACKGROUND: Frey syndrome, also known as ototemporal nerve syndrome or gustatory sweating syndrome, is one of the most common complications of parotid gland surgery. This condition is characterized by abnormal sensations in the facial skin accompanied by episodes of flushing and sweating triggered by cognitive processes, visual stimuli, or eating.

AIM: To investigate the preventive effect of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) on Frey syndrome after parotid tumor resection and analyzed the effects of Frey syndrome across various surgical methods and other factors involved in parotid tumor resection.

METHODS: Retrospective data from 82 patients were analyzed to assess the correlation between sex, age, resection sample size, operation time, operation mode, ADM usage, and occurrence of postoperative Frey syndrome.

RESULTS: Among the 82 patients, the incidence of Frey syndrome was 56.1%. There were no significant differences in sex, age, or operation time between the two groups ( P > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference between ADM implantation and occurrence of Frey syndrome ( P < 0.05). ADM application could reduce the variation in the incidence of Frey syndrome across different operation modes.

CONCLUSION: ADM can effectively prevent Frey syndrome and delay its onset.