Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41906048›Full record

ArticleOral and maxillofacial surgery2026

Challenging reconstruction of oncologic defects of the parotid region: a single-institution experience and decision-making framework proposal.

Andrea Cassoni, Resi Pucci, Nicolò Mangini, Angelica Meriano, Angela Palma, Ashleigh Weyh, Rui P Fernandes, Marco Della Monaca, Valentino Valentini

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in Oral and maxillofacial surgery, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 1 paper.

0numbers the graph read from it
0cells of the map it votes in
1citing papers in PubMed
–field-weighted citation impact
1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

1 citing paper in PubMed.

  1. Review
4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

9 authors.

Andrea CassoniDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Resi PucciMaxillofacial Surgery Unit, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Rome, Italy.
Nicolò ManginiDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy. nicolo.mangini@uniroma1.it.
Angelica MerianoDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Angela PalmaDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Ashleigh WeyhDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
Rui P FernandesDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Florida Health, Jacksonville, FL, USA.
Marco Della MonacaDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
Valentino ValentiniDepartment of Oral and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

objectivesReconstruction of the parotid region presents challenges due to the area’s complex anatomy. A classification of defects from ablative surgery can simplify and systematize the reconstructive approach. This study aims to propose a structured decision-making framework to guide reconstructive planning. MATERIALS AND

methodsA retrospective study was conducted on patients with malignant parotid tumors treated at Policlinico Umberto I between 2013 and 2023. Non-malignant tumors were excluded. The analysis focused on the involvement of skin, soft tissue, bone, and nerves, the type of parotidectomy (superficial, total, extended), whether neck dissection was performed, and the type of reconstruction used.

resultsSixty-seven patients (mean age 55 ± 16 years) were included. Primary closure was performed in 42 cases (62.7%). Thirteen patients (19.4%) required reconstruction of soft tissue and/or bony defects, including local cervicofacial flaps (n = 2), pedicled locoregional flaps (n = 4), free flaps (n = 2), deep circumflex iliac artery free flaps (n = 2), and pectoralis major myocutaneous flaps (n = 3), with one secondary free scapular flap after iliac crest failure. Facial nerve resection was necessary in 25 patients (37%). Immediate facial nerve reconstruction was achieved with direct neurorrhaphy or interposition grafting in 11 cases and with nerve transfers (masseteric-to-facial or hypoglossal-to-facial) in 5 cases. Static facial reanimation procedures were performed in 9 patients, either alone or in combination.

conclusionsSuccessful parotid reconstruction focuses on minimizing skin tension, addressing color mismatch, restoring volume, and preserving nerve function. Based on this experience, we propose a practical decision-making framework tailored to defect volume and functional loss involving skin/soft tissue, bone, and nerve.

Indexed as

Parotid NeoplasmsParotid RegionPlastic Surgery ProceduresSurgical FlapsAdultAgedFemaleHumansMaleMiddle AgedNeck DissectionRetrospective StudiesFree flapsLocal flapsLocoregional flapsNerve reconstructionParotid cancerReconstruction

Identifiers

PMID41906048
PMCPMC13033459

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.