Anteriorly Based Partial Thickness Sternocleidomastoid Muscle Flap Following Parotidectomy

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Otolaryngology
• Reconstructive Surgery

Background:

• Parotidectomy defects often require reconstructive methods.
• The anteriorly based partial thickness sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle flap is one such technique.
• Its indications and limitations require further clarification.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the aesthetic outcome of the SCM muscle flap for parotidectomy defects.
• To determine the indications and limitations of this reconstructive method.

Main Methods:

• 20 patients with benign parotid tumors underwent parotidectomy (16 superficial, 3 adequate, 1 total).
• Anteriorly based partial thickness SCM muscle flap was used for reconstruction.
• Aesthetic outcomes were scored based on scar appearance, symmetry, and donor site comparison.

Main Results:

• Overall aesthetic appearance was rated good in 17 patients and moderate in 3.
• 17 out of 20 patients reported deep satisfaction with the results.
• Residual hollowness and scar quality impacted outcomes in total parotidectomy cases.

Conclusions:

• Superficial parotidectomy with SCM flap reconstruction provides satisfactory aesthetic results.
• This technique offers minimal donor site morbidity.
• The SCM flap is a viable option for correcting parotidectomy defects, particularly after superficial procedures.