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Complications of rhytidectomy in an otolaryngology training program

Introduction: Facial plastic surgery is one of the most difficult areas on which to provide "hands on" experience for residents in otolaryngology. Complications of rhytidectomy have been widely reported in the literature. Aim: This study examines the incidence of complications after rhytidectomy in hands of residents under appropriate attending supervision in an Otolaryngology -- Head and Neck Surgery Training Program. Study design: Chart analysis. Material and method: The charts of 62 consecutive SMAS rhytidectomy patients performed between March 1999 e March 2000 were retrospectively reviewed. It was obtained information regarding the patient, the surgical procedure, and post-operative complications. Results: Presented rates were 12,9% of the patients with one exclusive complication and 6,5% with more than one complication. These included 1 expanding hematoma (1,6%), 5 small hematomas (8,1%), 3 seromas (4,8%), 2 suture lost (3,2%), 1 wound infection (1,6%), 1 parotid salivary fistula (1,6%), 1 ear lobe deformity (1,6%) e 1 ear numbness (1,6%). There were no cases of facial paralysis, cardiopulmonary events nor deaths. Only one female patient expressed her insatisfaction with the surgery (1,6%). Conclusion: Although these data are clinically relevant, the sample size is small to make statistically significant conclusion. We can only suggest that the teaching of rhytidectomy in an academic setting is effective and safe, since it is performed carefully by a resident, with knowledge of technique and anatomy, under supervision of an experienced surgeon.

rhytidectomy; facial plastic surgery; complications; training program; otolaryngology


ABORL-CCF Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial Av. Indianápolis, 740, 04062-001 São Paulo SP - Brazil, Tel./Fax: (55 11) 5052-9515 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: revista@aborlccf.org.br