Sialocele after parotid surgery: assessing the risk factors

To assess possible factors contributing to the occurrence of a sialocele after parotid surgery.

Case series with chart review.

Secondary otolaryngology service.

One hundred two consecutive parotid operations by 1 surgeon were recorded. A high rate of sialocele formation was addressed by identifying possible contributing factors, sequentially introducing changes, and then analyzing the effect of such changes.

Twenty patients developed a sialocele (19.6%). Demographic variables of those who developed a sialocele were similar to those who did not. Factors examined included partial versus complete superficial parotidectomy, use of Surgicel, vacuum drain pressure, and postoperative duration for surgical drain. The only significant factor on regression analysis for increasing the risk of a sialocele development was the use of Surgicel (P = .023). Once the use of Surgicel stopped, the rate of sialocele formation diminished markedly (from 28.6% to 11.3%).

Sialocele can cause significant problems for the patient and surgeon in terms of delayed wound healing and increased clinic resources and frustration. This study suggests that the use of products such as Surgicel increases the risk of postoperative sialocele formation.