[Traumatic lesions of the parotid salivary system. 15 cases (author's transl)]

On the basis of 15 cases, the authors define their attitude to traumatic lesions of the parotid salivary system. In the first place, such lesions must be accurately diagnosed by careful examination and catheterisation of the papilla. This simple manoeuvre makes it possible to avoid emergency sialography. Secondly, treatment varies according to the type of lesion: with a lesion of the facial nerve, suture or nerve graft in the case of loss of substance; with a minimal parenchymatous lesion, observation is necessary after the avoidance of surgery or drainage; with a severe parenchymatous lesion, parotidectomy is necessary, with exploration of the facial nerve.