Penetrating Trauma to the Parotid Gland

Abstract

Penetrating trauma to the parotid gland may present unique challenges especially when Stensen duct, neurovascular structures, and/or collateral organs are involved. Especially ballistic injuries caused by high-velocity projectiles or fragments of grenades and improvised explosive devices are often associated with massive tissue damage and a high risk of infections and other posttraumatic complications. Because penetrating parotid trauma is not very common, only limited information on the primary treatment of such injuries is available. This article gives a short overview about actual aspects on diagnosis and treatment strategies especially focusing on ballistic parotid injuries.

Reconstruction of the parotid duct

“…Anastomosis may be performed with devices used for other purposes, such as the epidural catheter[ 5 ] or endotracheal tube cuff insufflation cannula. [ 7 ] In this report, the used device's original purpose is to perform peripheral venous access, and it has proved to be an effective and cheaper option when compared to other alternatives.…”

“…It is used through injections directly on the parotid gland presenting good results. [ 5 6 9 ] Due to the presence of fluid drainage through the wound in the buccinatory region and already having more than 7 days of evolution, the executed surgical treatment was recommended due to its higher success rates.…”

“…Although some techniques to perform anastomosis of the duct have been described previously,[ 5 6 7 ] this case report presents an alternative surgical technique for repairing the parotid duct after 9 days of trauma.…”