[Frey syndrome].

AIMS

The incidence of Frey's syndrome after parotidectomy as cited in the literature varies distinctively. Strategies for successful treatment are also assessed differently.

PATIENTS

Between 1980 and 1994 a total of 372 parotidectomies were performed in 364 patients at the Bochum University Hospital.

RESULTS

After an average of 18 months following parotidectomy, 86 patients (23.5%) developed Frey's syndrome. Thirty-five patients were treated with scopolamine ointment. The symptoms improved in nine cases after an average of 25 months of therapy. Of the patients receiving no treatment (n = 20), seven improved after an average follow-up of 20 months. Therapy with scopolamine ointment did not elicit significantly better results compared to no treatment at all.

CONCLUSION

Gustatory sweating after parotidectomy still has to be regarded as an unpleasant complication which is difficult to cure.