THE INCIDENCE AND SEVERITY OF FREY’S SYNDROME AFTER PAROTIDECTOMY: A RETROSPECTIVE STUDY

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the  incidence and severity of Frey’s syndrome (FS) among  parotidectomy patients and to assess the impact of  parotidectomy sequelae on quality of life (QoL). Methods: In total, 43 patients (21 males, 22 females) who  underwent parotidectomy were included in this study.  Iodine-starch test was applied to identify the presence  and the severity of FS. The results were evaluated using a  previously described grading system. Patients’ perceptions  of parotidectomy sequelae were graded to identify their  impact on QoL and also if there is an association between  the extent of parotidectomy, the time elapsed after  surgery and the severity of symptoms. Results: FS was diagnosed in 18 (41.8%) patients, 10 of  which (23.3%) reported having FS symptoms. Of all  patients who were diagnosed with FS, 11 (61.2%) patients’  symptoms were classified as mild, whereas 7 (38.8%)  were classified as severe. There was no significant correlation  between the incidence of FS and the time between  surgery and diagnosis, or the extent of parotidectomy.  Among all symptoms reported by patients, FS was the sequelae  that caused the most discomfort after parotidectomy. Conclusion: The negative impact of FS on QoL is restricted  to cases with severe symptoms, the incidence of which  is rare and independent of the extent of surgery. To avoid  overtreatment, true incidence of FS remains to be identified  in study samples from different centers. By this  means, clinicians can make more accurate definitions for  indications of preventive procedures as well as treatment  approaches.