Abstract: Objective To investigate the application effect of sternocleidomastoid flaps in the resection of benign parotid tumors. Methods Eighty-four patients with benign parotid tumors were randomly divided into control group(n=42)and experimental group(n=42). The patients in control group were treated with traditional parotidectomy, while those in experimental group with sternocleidomastoid flap transferred to fill sunken operative area for repair after routine resection of parotid lesions. The follow-up was 6-12 months. The incidence of postoperative complications and tumor recurrence rate were compared in two groups. Results The incidence of postoperative complications in experimental group(14.29%)was significantly lower than that in control group(52.38%), and the difference was statistically significant(P<0.01). There was no statistical significance between two groups by comparison to the tumor recurrence rate(P>0.05). Conclusion Application of sternocleidomastoid flaps in benign parotid tumors to repair the sunken operative area can effectively reduce the risk of complications and the surgical effect isnt impacted, so it is worthy of promotion.

Key words: Benign parotid tumors, Sternocleidomastoid flaps, Sunken deformity in operative area, Salivary fistula, Freys syndrome