Use of a parotid fascia flap to prevent postoperative fistula

Objective. The purpose of this study was to investigate the usefulness of a fascia flap technique designed to improve the postoperative results of reg ional excision in cases of benign tumor in the superficial robe of the paro tid gland and to reduce formation of postoperative fistula. Study design. During surgery in each of 32 patients with benign tumor in th e superficial robe of the parotid gland, a fascia flap was raised from bene ath the ear robe, placed in its original position, arid firmly sutured afte r regional resection of the tumor. The results were compared with those in a control group of 30 patients, whose operations were the same as those of the experimental group except for the fact that the fascia overlying the tu mor was excised with the tumor in the controls. Results. The wounds of the 32 patients repaired with the fascia flap healed well without any complication. Among the 30 patients in the control group, fistula occurred in 4 patients (13.3%). The difference was significant whe n the 2 groups were compared (chi(2) test: P =.049, P <.05). Conclusions. Use of a parotid fascia flap in partial parotidectomy for beni gn tumors in the superficial lobe holds promise for the prevention of posto perative fistula formation.