Clinical observation of sternocleidomastoid muscle flaps combined with artificial biological membrane reparing the defects after parotidectomy

To investigate therapeutic effects of sternocleidomastoid muscle flaps combined with artificial biological membrane in repairment of facial concave deformity and prevention of taste sweating syndrome after parotidectomy.

68 cases of patients were randomly divided into two groups. The repair group, 36 cases, received the repair of partial sternocleidomastoid muscle flaps combined with artificial biological membrane, while the control group, 32 cases, had normal treatment without repairmen after parotidectomy. The two groups of patients were followed up for 6-18 months. The incidence of facial concave deformity and taste sweating syndrome were statistically compared and analyzed. Neck movements also were tested.

The incidence rate of facial concave deformity was 8.33% (3/36) in the repair group and 81.25% (26/32) in the control group. Taste sweating syndrome occurred 5.56% (2/36) in the repair group and 62.50% (20/32) in the control group. Both the incidence rates between two groups had the significant difference (χ² = 25.10, P ＜ 0.05). Neither of each group had dysfunction of neck movement.

Sternocleidomastoid muscle flap combined with artificial biological membrane repairing the defects of post-parotidectomymay significantly improve facial concave deformity and prevent taste sweating syndrome.