Reconstruction after excision of cancer of the salivary glands

Abstract

When tumors extend beyond the confines of the salivary gland (i.e., involving the skin, soft tissues, mandible, and/or facial nerve), reconstruction will likely be needed to restore the structure and function of the composite defect. A critical analysis of the defect (i.e., what structures are missing) and of the functional consequences will guide the most appropriate reconstruction. Two of the relatively minor sequelae of a parotidectomy that may be alleviated with reconstruction are Frey's syndrome and the concavity at the site of the parotidectomy. An ideal option for reconstructing cutaneous defects after radical resection of a tumor of the parotid or submandibular gland is the use of cervicofacial or cervicodeltopectoral flaps. Free flaps are the ideal reconstructive technique in the reconstruction of parotidectomy and submandibular defects with extensive skin loss and involvement of the mandible. Procedures for facial reanimation at the time of parotidectomy are presented. © 2007 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.