SMAS flap for extracapsular dissection of parotid gland tumors: is it necessary?

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this retrospective article is to evaluate postoperative outcomes after extracapsular dissection for small benign superficial parotid neoplasms (<3 cm) in patients who received Superficial Musculoaponeurotic System (SMAS) flap and in patients who did not receive it.

Methods: Two groups were created and statistically compared regarding Frey's syndrome and aesthetic satisfaction by data collected through the POI-8 validated questionnaire and through an aesthetic satisfaction scale ranging from 1 to 10. The difference between these two groups was the utilization of SMAS flap. SMAS flap was harvested in one of these two group, meanwhile was not used in the other.

Results: The p-value analysis between group 1 and group 2 on these complications, resulted statistically not significant. Also, the aesthetic satisfaction resulted not statistically significant between group 1 and group 2. Gender, localization, and facial palsy resulted statistically correlated with the aesthetic satisfaction (p-value < 0.05).

Conclusion: In conclusion, there is no statistical difference in the use of SMAS flap for benign parotid neoformations of the superficial lobe, with a diameter of less than 3 cm for which extracapsular dissection is adopted as a surgical technique.

Keywords: Auriculotemporal nerve syndrome; Extracapsular dissection; Frey syndrome; Parotid tumor; SMAS flap.