Post Parotidectomy Problem

[Kaboo_]

Sqad - hoping you can advise. I had a left parotidectomy on 25th September. The staples were removed last Monday but I still have 7/8 stitches to be removed. I'm due to see my consultant next Tuesday (assuming stitches will be removed then).
Since yesterday afternoon every time I eat anything, the wound weeps uncontrollably to the point where after 3 mouthfuls of food, the neck of my shirt is wet. It's almost clear fluid but does have a slight light brown tinge to it. I think it's coming from the top of the neck wound where the staples were. Is this normal or should I be getting it checked out. It's kind of upsetting and as I'm sitting in work, I don't want to eat all day because it's not exactly pleasant for my colleagues to look at fluid dripping out of my neck.

[Buenchico]

While you're waiting for Sqad . . .

Frey's Syndrome???

See here
http://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/110307parotidectomy.pdf
and here
http://www.parotid.net/freys-syndrome-treatment/

[Kaboo_]

Thanks for the links Buenchicho. My surgeon had warned me about Freys syndrome so this was my assumption at first but I'm not sure it is yet. It only seems to have come on yesterday (2 weeks post op) and appears to be coming directly from the wound rather than the cheek. It kind of gushes too, which makes me think it's not sweat but it's tricky for me to tell because of where it is I can't easily see it myself.

[Sqad]

It could either be Frey's Syndrome as highlighted by Buenchico OR a fistula (connection) between the salivary duct or tissue that remains, onto the skin.
Both are made worse by eating and can only be distinguished by taking a sample for analysis.
Nothing much can be done re. Frey's, but if it is a fistula it can be stopped by using Botox around the duct.

This has nothing to do with infection, so don't panic.
No urgency for checking, just mention it at your next check up.
Annoying.....bloody annoying.....but it happens.

[Sqad]

From you further description,it does sound like a fistula.

[Kaboo_]

Thank you Sqad. That has at least put my mind to rest that something is going wrong somewhere. Guess I'll just need to make sure I bring a spare top to work. Or start trying to make neckerchiefs a new style.