Predictors for Frey Syndrome Development After Parotidectomy

Background: Frey syndrome is a common complication after parotidectomy. The aim of this study is to investigate potential predictors for development of Frey syndrome and explore their implications in additional prophylactic procedures. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to address these issues. Methods: A computer search was performed to identify all patients who received parotidectomy from January 2009 to December 2011 in Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong. Individual case notes were reviewed to retrieve details for analysis. Results: A total of 155 parotidectomies were identified. Tumor size was the only statistically significant clinical predictor (Frey group: 43.5 ± 38.4 mm vs No Frey group: 33.1 ± 27.5 mm; P = 0.018). Disease pathology, type of resection, and previous treatments such as radiotherapy or parotidectomy did not appear to be associated with development of Frey syndrome. Post hoc analysis of our data showed that Frey incidence nearly doubled in patients with tumor size of 4 cm or greater (33%) compared to those with tumors that sized less than 4 cm (18%). Conclusions: Frey syndrome is common after parotidectomy. Tumor size is the only statistically significant predictor of its development. Routine preventive interventions, for example, use of acellular dermal matrix, dermofat graft or muscle flaps to prevent Frey syndrome, should be considered for high risk patients.

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