Radiation Therapy for Post Parotidectomy Fistula

The incidence of parotid fistula following the surgery has been reported to be about 14%. The parotid fistula can be a very troublesome problem for the patient as it compromises the quality of life. It may result in wound dehiscence, and infection. Though several treatment modalities have been described in the literature but there is no consensus. The various management options include complete parotidectomy, tympanic neurectomy, radiation therapy, pressure dressings, anticholenergics and, of late, local injection of botulinum toxin. Radiation therapy had been in use as early as in 1936, but the number of cases is too scanty to make this as established modality. We describe a case of postparotidectomy fistula successfully treated by external beam radiation therapy.