Esthetic and functional reconstruction after parotidectomy in pediatric patients - A case series

Abstract

Parotidectomy is a mainstay of treatment for benign and malignant parotid lesions in children and adults. Depending on surgical methods used and tumor size, parotidectomy may result in significant facial disfigurement as well as functional challenges. We describe a series of four pediatric patients, ages 13-16 who presented to our clinic with a parotid mass. All patients underwent parotidectomy with immediate reconstruction by local tissue rearrangement or free fat graft. Esthetic and functional reconstruction after parotidectomy is not well described in pediatric otolaryngology literature. A review of current literature and description of reconstructive methods is included.

Keywords: Adipose autograft; Fat graft; Parotid neoplasm; Parotidectomy; Pediatric; Superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS).