Management of parotid gland and duct injuries

Surgical repair of injuries to the parotid gland and its duct have been described in the literature for more than 100 years. Injury to the glandular structures are usually associated with penetrating wounds of the face and often involve concomitant damage to adjacent structures, including the facial nerve, the ear, and the nearby bony structures. Most investigators agree that management of these injuries depends on the location of the damage. However, there are differences of opinion as to the proper management of the repair when the injury to the glandular system is discovered early or late.