Methods:
We retrospectively analysed the case
records of all patients submitted to submandibular gland degloving (as
previously
described1),
by the same surgeon as first operator (FB) in a single academic center
from September 2017 to December 2021. Data have been collected and
reported following STROBE guidelines for observational studies. The
observational retrospective nature of the study allowed the exemption
from IRB approval.
Preoperative work-up included: collection of clinical history, physical
examination, ultrasound and, in case of clearly identifiable lesions,
ultrasound-guided FNAB (Fine Needle Aspiration Biopsy) with Rapid On
Site Evaluation (ROSE) as previously described2. We
consider the submandibular degloving contraindicated, and we never
performed it, in case of suspicion of solid malignancy.
We recorded demographic, clinical and surgical data in order to assess
the safety of the technique.
Surgical time has been computed from infiltration of the skin to the
last stitch.
Surgical drains were removed when the amount of collected fluid became
less than 20 ml in 24 hours.
Post-operative follow up was performed through physical examination and
concomitant neck ultrasonography, 6 months after the surgery and then
every year (just for neoplastic lesions).