The role of botulinum toxin in postparotidectomy fistula treatment. A technical note.

PURPOSE: Parotid fistula is a well-known complication of parotidectomy or penetrating injury of the parotid gland. The management of parotid fistula has been controversial, and numerous conservative and surgical treatment methods have been described.

METHODS: We report 3 cases of parotid fistula after partial parotidectomy, which were treated by botulinum toxin injection under electromyographic control into the residual substance of parotid gland.

RESULTS: Complete healing of the fistula was achieved with a single botulinum toxin treatment in all patients. No side effects were observed after the treatment. The patients are disease-free after 21, 18, and 14 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: In the considered cases, the localized injection of botulinum toxin into the parotid gland resulted to an effective and long-lasting treatment of postparotidectomy fistula.