Skin reconstruction of the temporo parotid region

Abstract

bjectives: To determine the result of reconstruction with local or regional flaps of skin defects in the temporo-parotid region, after resection of malignant parotid gland and ear tumors, and to establish a reconstruction algorithm according to the size of the defect. Methods: The electronic medical records of the patients who underwent surgery for malignant tumors of the parotid gland and ear with invasion of the skin of the region, and who had reconstructions of the skin defect with local and regional flaps, were selected. The surgeries were performed by the surgical team of the Otorhinolaryngology service of the Italian hospital in Buenos Aires between 2005 and 2018. Results: Five patients were included.There were two malignant parotid gland tumors with histology of adenoid cystic carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and three temporal bone tumors: squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma in another and adenoid cystic carcinoma. The reconstructions were made with local or regional flaps. In skin defects smaller than 8cm the reconstructions were made with cervical and scalp flaps. In skin defects larger than 8cm the pectoralis major musculoctaneous flap were used. No patient had partial or total necrosis of the flaps. Conclusions: The results of the reconstructions with local and regional flaps of the skin defects caused by the resection of malignant tumors of the ear and the parotid gland were very good, since they allowed the repair of the defect with a good aesthetic result, without the need to perform grafts in the donor area and with few minor complications. In patients with advanced malignant tumors of the ear and parotid gland with infiltration of the surrounding skin, it is better to do the reconstruction with local or regional flaps due to the greater simplicity and speed of the surgical technique, similar aesthetic results and few complications.