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Updated: Jun 14, 2025
Single-stage Dynamic Reanimation of the Smile in Irreversible Facial Paralysis by Free Functional Muscle Transfer
Published on: March 1, 2015
Functional reconstruction of tissue defects after total parotidectomy using a modified submandibular gland flap
Hao Lu1, Wanlin Xu1, Wenya Zhu1
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China; College of Stomatology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China; National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, PR China; Shanghai Center of Head and Neck Oncology Clinical and Translational Science, Shanghai, PR China.
Objective:
Reconstruction of soft tissue defects after total parotidectomy requires a feasible and effective pedicled flap with sufficient volume. In this study, we introduce a modified submandibular gland flap (SMGF) for functional reconstruction of soft tissue defects resulting from total parotidectomy.
Materials And Methods:
This study included 12 patients diagnosed with parotid gland carcinoma undergoing total parotidectomy and ipsilateral selective neck dissection. The modified SMGF was harvested and transferred to the parotid bed. This procedure was coupled with anastomosis between the parotid gland duct and Wharton's duct. The feasibility of the surgery, postoperative complications, facial profile restoration, and salivary secretion were assessed.
Results:
All SMGFs pedicled only over the proximal facial artery survived without major complications. Facial profiles were well-restored, and salivary secretion was partially reserved. During the postoperative follow-up, no tumor recurrence was observed in any of the cases, and the volume of the SMGFs did not show obvious atrophy.
Conclusions:
The modified SMGF is a viable solution for volume restoration and functional reconstruction after total parotidectomy.
Clinical Relevance:
This modified technique is simple and feasible for the functional reconstruction of soft tissue defects after total parotidectomy compared to other flaps and is worthy of clinical promotion.
