Sialocele after parotid surgery: assessing the risk factors

Risk factors for sialocele after parotidectomy: Does tumor size really matter?

OBJECTIVE

Sialocele that develops after parotid surgery often prolongs the treatment period and stresses both the surgeon and patient. The extent of surgery and tumor size are known to be associated with sialocele occurrence. We investigated the incidence of post-parotidectomy sialocele and the associated risk factors, with a focus on tumor size.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 172 patients who underwent parotidectomy between January 2013 and May 2020 at Haeundae Paik Hospital, Inje University of Korea. We stratified patients into those with and without sialocele (fluid collection in the operative bed). We compared clinical data, patient demographics, and surgical details; we identified risk factors for sialocele development after parotid surgery.

RESULTS

Seventeen patients were diagnosed with post-parotidectomy sialocele (9.88%; 17/172). Univariate logistic regression revealed that the male sex, deep lobe tumor location, and large tumor size were significantly associated with postoperative sialocele (p = 0.015, 0.009, and 0.016, respectively). We subjected these parameters to multivariate analyses; the odds ratios were 3.70, 3.58, and 2.34, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses showed that a tumor size > 2.50 cm was the optimal cutoff in terms of predicting post-parotidectomy sialocele.

CONCLUSION

Male sex, a tumor in the deep lobe, and large tumor size were strongly associated with increased risk for sialocele after parotidectomy. Tumor size > 2.50 cm serves as the cutoff identifying patients likely to experience sialocele after parotid surgery.

Outpatient parotidectomy: Outcomes, safety and satisfaction

PURPOSE

Parotidectomies are rarely performed on an outpatient basis. The specific perioperative outcomes and their management remains insufficiently described to change daily practice. The objectives were to study the outcomes, the complications and the patient satisfaction rate in parotidectomy performed on an outpatient basis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective monocentric database study on 85 patients who underwent parotidectomy as a first and sole procedure from 2015 to 2020. We analyzed perioperative outcomes between outpatients and inpatients.

RESULTS

Among 28 outpatients and 57 inpatients, no significant differences in total perioperative complications (p = .66; OR = 1.25; 95 % confidence interval (CI) [0.47; 3.36]), reoperations (p = .55), readmissions (p = 1), or unplanned visits (p = .52) were shown in multivariate analysis. The conversion rate for surgical reasons was 8.6 %, and the satisfaction rate was high.

CONCLUSION

Although outpatient parotidectomies should be as safe as for inpatients, the high rate of minor complications requires specific perioperative management, such as a systematic early postoperative visit and optimized preoperative information in order to be carried out with minimal issues.

Centripetal Versus Centrifugal Facial Nerve Dissection in Superficial Parotidectomy: Comparison of the Two Methods at a Tertiary Care Center

OBJECTIVES

To compare the intraoperative and postoperative parameters of two techniques of facial nerve dissection: Centripetal vs Centrifugal.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective study.

SETTING

Academic tertiary referral centre.

METHODS

In our study, cases of superficial parotidectomy were randomly selected from the outpatient departments of ORL & HNS. Of these patients, 30 underwent standard anterograde dissection group (Group A) and 30 underwent retrograde facial nerve dissection (Group B). All the patients were assessed pre-operatively, intra-operatively and post-operatively to compare the various parameters.

RESULTS

The most common complaint in both groups was parotid swelling. The operative time for A was shorter at 2.1 h as compared to 1.9 h min in group B. The resolution of symptoms was nearly comparable in both groups. Facial nerve palsy was slightly more in group B but the difference was not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The operative time and post-operative complications were both comparable between AFND and RFND, implying both techniques can be used by surgeons depending on the individual cases.

A contemporary systematic review of the complications associated with SURGICEL

BACKGROUND

This review aims to summarize the findings from recent literature (2010-2022) reporting on complications that resulted from the surgical use of SURGICEL for intraoperative hemostasis.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted using the MEDLINE (OVID), Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials - CENTRAL (OVID) databases. The studies were sorted into case reports and other study types for data extraction. Covidence was used for data extraction and statistics were descriptive.

RESULTS

Of the total 560 articles screened, 73 papers were selected for a full-text review and 70 studies were included in this review. A total of 7,242 participants were included in the studies (case studies n = 93, others n = 7149). 67/70 of the included studies reported complications when SURGICEL was used intraoperatively. Reported complications included: SURGICEL induced masses (granulomas, abscesses, hematomas, cysts) (n = 25), hemorrhagic complications (n = 12), masses misdiagnosed as tumors, cardiovascular, nervous system, and hepatobiliary complications, pain, and infections. Other complications included: fistulas, erectile dysfunction, chorioamnionitis, swelling, urinary leak, renal failure, and anaphylaxis.

CONCLUSIONS

Publications reporting on complications associated with the use of SURGICEL intraoperatively have continued to emerge. Future studies should compare how the types and rates of complications compare between SURGICEL and alternative hemostatic agents.

Assessment of the observation management of sialocele after partial superficial parotidectomy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the usefulness of management of sialocele formation and to evaluate the quality of life of patients under elective management post-parotidectomy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study was performed including patients who underwent postoperative management with either compression therapy or observation. The self-filled questionnaire method was used to assess the quality of life of participants who changed from compression therapy to observation. Demographic and operative data, variables regarding wound complications and scores for quality of life were documented and analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 86 patients met the eligibility criteria. The respective rates of sialocele formation within 1 month were 5.3% in the compression therapy group (2/38) and 16.0% in the observation group (4/25), but no significant difference was observed (p = 0.204). Meanwhile, both groups displayed comparable times of needle aspiration and time for sialocele resolution (p > 0.05). Based on 23 valid paired questionnaires, scores for physical and social-emotional function before changing from compression therapy to observation were significantly lower than scores after the change (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The application of observation after partial superficial parotidectomy appears to have acceptable clinical outcomes and considerable improvements in quality of life.

Sialocele formation after partial parotidectomy: Dependent on remnant parotid exposure

BACKGROUND

This study compared the complete closure versus the exposure of remnant parotid parenchyma in sialocele formation.

METHODS

This study included 151 patients with benign parotid lesions who underwent partial parotidectomy plus the complete closure or exposure of remnant parotid parenchyma. Two surgical methods of closed or exposed parenchyma were alternatively allocated to consecutive patients without randomization and blinding processes.

RESULTS

Complete closure and exposure of the remnant parotid parenchyma were performed in 81 and 70 patients. Early postoperative complications occurred with temporary events: transient facial weakness, 24 (16%); hematoma, 9 (6%); wound infection, 1 (0.7%) without statistical difference between the two groups (p > 0.1). Postoperative sialocele was more frequently found in the exposure group (n = 15) than the closure group (n = 4; p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

The complete closure of remnant parotid parenchyma is preferred over the exposure of injured parenchymal parenchyma to prevent postparotidectomy sialocele.

Extracapsular dissection by the sternocleidomastoid muscle-parotid space approach reduces the risks of postparotidectomy sialocele and salivary fistula

BACKGROUND

Postoperative sialoceles and fistulas are frequent surgical complications of parotid tumor resection. Extracapsular dissection by the sternocleidomastoid muscle-parotid space approach (ECD-SMPSA) is a minimally invasive technique. To our knowledge, the characteristics of sialoceles and fistulas secondary to ECD-SMPSA have not been reported.

METHODS

This prospective study enrolled 52 patients who underwent ECD-SMPSA without sialocele/fistula prevention measures. Postoperative sialoceles and fistulas were evaluated during 2 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

Among the 52 patients, only one male patient developed a mild sialocele. No salivary fistulas occurred. The overall rate of sialocele/fistula formation was 1.92%.

CONCLUSIONS

When treating clinically benign tumors that involve the sternocleidomastoid muscle-parotid space, ECD-SMPSA may prevent postoperative formation of sialoceles and salivary fistulas.

LigaSure versus Conventional Parotidectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Surgery with parotidectomy is the preferable treatment for most parotid tumors. Our meta-analysis compared the differences between the use of the LigaSure (LS) device and the conventional suture ligation technique (CT) in parotidectomies. A literature search in databases including EMBASE, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Library was carried out. Studies including parotidectomy using LS and CT were included with the intraoperative and postoperative parameters collected. Continuous operative time data were measured by mean differences (MDs). Discrete data on postoperative complications, including facial palsy, postoperative bleeding, and salivary complications, were evaluated with risk differences (RDs). All values were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Five studies were included in our meta-analysis. The pooled analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in operative time in the LS group (MD: −21.92; 95% CI, −30.18 to −13.66). In addition, the analysis indicated that the incidence of postoperative complications, including permanent facial palsy (RD, −0.01; 95% CI, −0.06 to 0.05), temporary facial palsy (RD, 0.00; 95% CI, −0.03 to 0.04), salivary complications (RD, −0.01; 95% CI, −0.08 to 0.06), and postoperative bleeding (RD, −0.02; 95% CI, −0.07 to 0.04), were all similar between the LS group and the CT group. According to the results, the LS device appears to be a safe and useful tool and could shorten the operative time in patients needing parotidectomy.

Postparotidectomy sialocele: A 6-year review of underlying factors

BACKGROUND

Postparotidectomy sialocele is a frustrating challenge. Published rates of postparotidectomy fluid collections range from 6% to 39%. We report our experience of 398 parotidectomies performed over a 6-year period.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of parotidectomies performed over a 6-year period was completed. Drain placement, smoking status, tumor size, and postoperative utilization of scopolamine were analyzed. Binary logistical regression and odds ratio calculations were performed.

RESULTS

Postparotidectomy sialocele occurred in 25% of patients. Neither suction drain placement nor usage of immediate postoperative scopolamine (in a 22-patient subset) prevented sialocele formation. Smoking status also did not correlate. Increasing resection size was linearly correlated with the risk of sialocele.

CONCLUSION

Drain placement and smoking status do not correlate with sialocele prevention after parotidectomy. Sialocele formation directly correlates with the resection size. These data may guide preoperative counseling; however, additional work is necessary to identify effective prevention mechanisms for postparotidectomy sialocele.

Intraoperative botulinum toxin injection for superficial partial parotidectomy: A prospective pilot study

OBJECTIVES

Sialocele and salivary fistula are not serious but troublesome complications after parotidectomy. Various modalities have been introduced to prevent postoperative saliva-related complications. However, clinical trials assessing the prophylactic use of botulinum toxin (BTX) for parotidectomy have not been conducted yet. Herein, we report a pilot study investigating the safety and efficacy of intraoperative BTX (iBTX) injection in partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP).

PARTICIPANTS

Patients with benign parotid tumour were prospectively recruited for this clinical trial from 2017 to 2019. The study participants underwent PSP with iBTX injection. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical information of all the consecutive patients who underwent PSP without iBTX from 2013 to 2019. These patients were divided into two groups: the iBTX group (n = 36) and the control group (n = 54).

RESULTS

Permanent facial palsy was not observed in either group. Two patients (3.7%) had transient marginal palsy in the control group but none had it in the iBTX group. The incidence of sialocele was significantly lower in the iBTX group than in the control group (2.8% vs. 20.4%, P < .05). Although the incidence of salivary fistula was lower in the iBTX group than in the control group (0% vs. 7.4%), no significant difference was determined between the two groups (P = .147). Total drainage volume was significantly lower in the iBTX group than in the control group (55.0 mL vs. 116.6 mL, P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

iBTX injection may be safe and effective in reducing sialocele and postoperative drainage in PSP. It might be a useful option to prevent saliva-related complications after PSP.

Insertion of a vacuum based drain for post-parotidectomy non-resolving seroma in an outpatient setting

We describe a novel technique for the insertion of a vacuum drain, in an outpatient setting, for persistent seroma post-parotidectomy. This is a retrospective case series of a single academic centre. The complete medical records of all patients who underwent parotidectomy between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed. Data regarding demographics, comorbidities, and intraoperative and postoperative courses were extracted for patients for whom a vacuum drain was inserted due to persistent seroma. A size 8 Fr drain was inserted using a novel approach through the parotidectomy incision using 'Biovac' (Biometrix) 50ml, Trocar kit, that had been adjusted and modified for this purpose. Two hundred and eighteen patients had had parotidectomy during the study period. Eight patients (3.6%) underwent insertion of the drain due to persistent seroma. In three patients (37.5%) no drain was inserted during the initial surgery. The mean (SD) time between surgery and insertion of the outpatient vacuum drain was 10 (5) days. All drain insertions were uneventful and no complications were noted. The mean (SD) time for outpatient vacuum drain removal was 12.75 (4.3) days. A single patient (12.5%) underwent additional needle aspiration of 5cc few days following removal of the drain. Persistent seromas may be managed in an outpatient clinic with good results and a high safety profile.

Minor Parotidectomy Complications: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES

To report descriptive statistics for minor parotidectomy complications.

METHODS

A systematic review was performed, selecting 235 studies for analysis. The incidence of complications was tabulated, and descriptive statistics calculated. Outlier studies, 1 standard deviation above the mean, were reexamined to determine potential causal factors for each complication. All studies were examined for statistically significant differences for any potential causal factor.

RESULTS

The pooled incidence of minor complications reported were hematoma 2.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.4-3.5), wound infection 2.3% (95% CI: 1.8-2.9), sialocele 4.5% (95% CI: 3.5-5.7), salivary fistula 3.1% (95% CI: 2.6-3.7), flap necrosis 1.7% (95% CI: 1.1-2.5), scar issues 3.6% (95% CI: 2.4-5.4), numbness 33.9% (95% CI: 25.6-43.4), and deformity 11.8 (95% CI: 6.9-19.5). Implants result in more wound complications, such as hematoma, sialocele, or salivary fistula. Sialocele and salivary fistula appear more frequently after less extensive parotid surgery, whereas hematoma, wound infections, flap necrosis, and aesthetic considerations are worse with more extensive resections.

CONCLUSIONS

Minor parotidectomy complications are more frequent than generally assumed and related to certain factors that should be investigated. Laryngoscope, 131:571-579, 2021.

Cold knife dissection and bipolar diathermy Vs harmonic scalpel in parotid gland surgery for benign tumours

INTRODUCTION

Surgical techniques for extirpation of tumours of the parotid gland have evolved significantly in recent years. Previous data suggest the use of Harmonic Scalpel reduced operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drain production, and incidence of facial nerve injury, in comparison to cold scalpel dissection MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospective analysis of 2group of patients operated using harmonic scalpel versus cold knife dissection and bipolar diathermy and compare operative time and post-surgical complication rate:, facial nerve injury, sialocele or salivary fístula formation, after parotidectomy for benign parotid tumours.

RESULTS

108 patients were included. Regarding surgical time, the mean time to using Harmonic Scalpel was 114±39 (Min: 60/Max: 240), and the mean time using bipolar diathermy was 135±38 (Min: 90/Max: 285) and this was the only significant difference between the 2techniques (p=.049).

CONCLUSIONS

Harmonic scalpel is a safe and effective tool to perform parotid surgery in benign tumours. However, a shorter surgical time was the only advantage found over the traditional cold dissection and bipolar dissection method.

The use of platelet-rich plasma gel in superficial parotidectomy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) gel has been used in several conditions to enhance wound healing processes. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate clinical outcomes in patients who underwent superficial parotidectomy with and without the use of PRP gel at the surgical field. Fifty-nine patients underwent superficial parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve for benign tumours. In 21 cases, PRP gel was added on the remaining parotid gland and facial nerve branches. Clinical characteristics, complications, length of hospitalisation and duration of the drainage tube maintenance were recorded. The median duration of drainage tube maintenance was 2 and 3 days, and median hospital stay was 3 and 4 days in the PRP-group and non-PRP-group, respectively. Facial palsy and salivary complications (sialocele and salivary fistula) were more frequent in the non-PRP-group. The use of PRP gel seems to have positive effects on clinical outcomes in superficial parotidectomy for benign tumours. It represents an efficient and low-cost adjunct that can lower complications.

Antegrade versus retrograde facial nerve dissection in benign parotid surgery: Is there a difference in postoperative outcomes? A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this meta-analysis was to test the null hypothesis of no difference in facial nerve dysfunction in studies that compared classical antegrade facial nerve dissection (AFND) versus retrograde facial nerve dissection (RFND) during benign parotid surgery.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of PubMed, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus, Google Scholar, Science Direct and relevant journals was undertaken up to June 27, 2018. Randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs), controlled clinical trials (CCTs), and retrospective studies aimed at comparing the effect of AFND vs. RFND during parotidectomy were included. The outcome measures included facial nerve dysfunction, Frey's syndrome, recurrence, silaocele, salivary fistula, operating time length of hospital stay, and estimated blood loss. Pooled risk ratio (RR) and weighted mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using either a fixed-effects or random-effects model.

RESULTS

Ten studies; four RCTs and five retrospective studies were included. There were 570 patients (319 in RFND group and 251 in AFND group). 481 patients in 9 studies reported the incidence rate of facial nerve dysfunction. No statistical significant difference was observed between both groups concerning the occurrence of transient or permanent facial nerve paralysis (p = 0.44 and 0.11 respectively). One out 10 studies reported the incidence rate of sialocele, however no statistical difference was observed between the two techniques. There was reduction in the operative time (19.30 min), amount of blood loss (25.08 ml) and amount of healthy salivary tissues removed (12.20 mm) in RFND compared with AFND.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results of the current review there is no evidence demonstrating a significant advantage of one approach over another, therefore, well-designed standardized RCTs are required.

The extent of surgery for benign parotid pathology and its influence on complications: A prospective cohort analysis

BACKGROUND

The surgical management of benign parotid tumors is aimed at complete extirpation of the mass with preservation of facial nerve function. There is a relative paucity of literature pertaining to complications after benign parotid surgery and related risk factors. We aim to critically review the outcomes following treatment of benign parotid pathology when surgery entailed either complete superficial parotidectomy (CSP), partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP) or extracapsular dissection (ECD).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

This is a review of prospectively collected data of all parotidectomies performed between June 2006 to June 2016 for histologically-proven benign pathology of the parotid. Median follow-up time was 31.6weeks.

RESULTS

A total of 101 parotidectomies were carried out on 97 patients (40 CSP, 56 PSP and 5 ECD). Pleomorphic adenoma (48.4%) and Warthin's tumors (32.7%) were the most common pathologies. Temporary facial weakness occurred after 7 operations (6.9%). Facial weakness was permanent in 4 cases (3.9%). The rates of sialocele and salivary fistula were 4.9% and 0.9%, respectively. Only one patient (0.9%) developed Frey Syndrome postoperatively. No significant associations between extent of parotid surgery and postoperative facial nerve dysfunction (p=0.674) or wound complications (p=0.433) were observed. Univariate analyses for potential contributing factors such as advanced age, smoking status, tumor location or histology did not demonstrate any increased risk with developing postoperative complications.

CONCLUSION

Partial superficial parotidectomy was associated with low rates of morbidity to the facial nerve and surgical wound. The results were comparable to complete superficial parotidectomy. We recommend offering patient partial superficial parotidectomy where appropriate and this is in line with the current trend of minimising surgical dissection, thereby potentially decreasing the risk of short-term and long-term complications.

Diagnosis and Management of Malignant Salivary Gland Tumors of the Parotid Gland

Malignant parotid tumors are heterogeneous and diverse. Accurate diagnosis requires a pathologist familiar with the various histologic subtypes, immunohistochemistry stains, and common translocations. Clinical course varies according to tumor subtype, ranging from indolent, slow-growing adenoid cystic carcinoma to rapidly progressive, possibly fatal, salivary ductal carcinoma. Histologic grade is important in prognosis and therapy. Surgery remains the mainstay of treatment when negative margins can be achieved. Radiation improves locoregional control of tumors with high-risk features. Chemotherapy for parotid tumors can be disappointing. Studies of new targeted therapies have not offered significant benefits.

Factors influencing sialocele or salivary fistula formation postparotidectomy

BACKGROUND

Does the extent of parotidectomy or other patient or tumor characteristics influence the rate of sialocele/salivary fistula formation?

METHODS

All patients who underwent parotidectomy at the University of Wisconsin from 1994 to 2013 were considered. Patients who developed a sialocele/salivary fistula were identified. Extent of dissection, age, sex, body mass index (BMI), volume of specimen, and rate of malignancy were examined.

RESULTS

Seventy of 771 patients (9.1%) developed a sialocele/salivary fistula. Sixty-seven fistulae (96%) developed within 1 month and all resolved by 6 months. Age, sex, pathology, and BMI were not increased in the sialocele group. Inferior and middle superficial parotidectomy had a significantly higher rate of sialocele than other extents of dissection. Volume of tissue removed was not significantly different between dissection groups.

CONCLUSION

Sialocele/salivary fistula is common postparotidectomy and is more likely with inferior and middle superficial parotidectomy. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 387-391, 2017.

Partial Superficial Parotidectomy With Retrograde Dissection of the Facial Nerve for Clinically “Benign” Parotid Tumors

Background:

To review experience with partial superficial parotidectomy (PSP) and retrograde dissection of the facial nerve as a treatment for benign parotid tumors.

Methods:

Retrospective cohort study of all patients presenting with a suspected benign primary parotid tumor undergoing parotid surgery.

Results:

There were 214 cases retrieved. Postoperative facial nerve weakness occurred in 33% of patients; all were temporary. Increased extent of surgical resection ( P < .001), deeper tumors ( P = .05), and close tumor proximity to the facial nerve ( P = .007) significantly correlated with postoperative facial weakness. The surgical margin was clear in 54%; 31% had capsule exposed in at least 1 point, and 13.5% had tumor at the margin. Cases with close proximity of tumor to facial nerve were more likely to have tumor at the margin ( P = .034).

Conclusion:

Partial superficial parotidectomy with retrograde dissection is a suitable method for benign appearing parotid tumors.

The use of botulinum toxin B in the treatment of a post-traumatic sialocele in a 4-year-old child: A case report

Parotid sialoceles are bothersome complications of parotidectomy and penetrating injury to the parotid gland. Though typically self-limited and responsive to conservative management, they can be particularly difficult to manage in the pediatric population where even conservative interventions are less well tolerated. We present the case of a 4-year-old child with a post-traumatic parotid sialocele that was successfully managed with a single injection of botulinum toxin B. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of the use of botulinum toxin for this purpose in the pediatric population.

The role of partial parotidectomy for benign parotid tumors: A case-control study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the results and complications after partial parotidectomy vs superficial parotidectomy, as primary treatment of benign parotid tumors.

STUDY DESIGN

Case-control study.

SETTING

University hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A case-control study is presented on parotidectomy, comparing a group of 25 patients treated by partial parotidectomy vs a similar group of 25 patients treated by superficial parotidectomy. All patients had primary benign parotid tumors, were matched by sex and age, and had a minimum follow-up of 4 years. Independent variables included sex, age, medical history, intra-operative variables (surgical time, estimated blood loss, type of drainage, use of collagen), fine-needle aspiration cytology, computed tomography findings, and final histopathological diagnosis. Outcome measures were early and late complications, such as facial nerve paralysis, seroma, sialocele, Frey syndrome, and recurrence.

RESULTS

Partial parotidectomy resulted in less early and late complications than superficial parotidectomy, with similar recurrence rates. Temporal facial paresis was found in 4% of partial surgeries, vs 12% of superficial parotidectomies, a significant difference. Three months after surgery, only one patient has a persistent marginal nerve paresis. In contrast, sialocele was more common after partial parotidectomy (28% vs 16%), a significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Partial parotidectomy achieves less early and late complications than superficial parotidectomy, with similar recurrence rates.

Use of scopolamine patches in patients treated with parotidectomy

The antimuscarinic effect of scopolamine causes a reduction of salivary secretion, so it can be used successfully in postoperative parotid surgery. The aim of this article was to demonstrate the efficiency of postoperative use of scopolamine transdermal patch in reduction of complications due to the presence of saliva in the surgical spaces.

The effects of surgicel and bone wax hemostatic agents on bone healing: An experimental study

BACKGROUND

The biological effects of hemostatic agends on the physiological healing process need to be tested. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of oxidized cellulose (surgicel) and bone wax on bone healing in goats' feet.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three congruent circular bone defects were created on the lateral aspects of the right and left metacarpal bones of ten goats. One defect was left unfilled and acted as a control; the remaining two defects were filled with bone wax and surgicel respectively. The 10 animals were divided into two groups of 5 animals each, to be sacrificed at the 3(rd) and 5(th) week postoperatively. Histological analysis assessing quality of bone formed and micro-computed tomography (MCT) measuring the quantities of bone volume (BV) and bone density (BD) were performed. The results of MCT analysis pertaining to BV and BD were statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and posthoc least significant difference tests.

RESULTS

Histological analysis at 3 weeks showed granulation tissue with new bone formation in the control defects, active bone formation only at the borders for surgicel filled defects and fibrous encapsulation with foreign body reaction in the bone wax filled defects. At 5 weeks, the control and surgicel filled defects showed greater bone formation; however the control defects had the greatest amount of new bone. Bone wax filled defects showed very little bone formation. The two-way ANOVA for MCT results showed significant differences for BV and BD between the different hemostatic agents during the two examination periods.

CONCLUSION

Surgicel has superiority over bone wax in terms of osseous healing. Bone wax significantly hinders osteogenesis and induces inflammation.