14.  Your free flap patient complains of parotid pain and swelling two days after surgery.  The skin over the parotid is warm and the patient is febrile.  What will you do for diagnosis and treatment?

Answer:
Differential Diagnosis: Pus vs Saliva.  If fluctuant, drain collection, irrigate, and place suction catheters.  Consider ultrasound if unclear if collecton present. If no collection by ultrasound, but persistent pain, examine frequently to check for resolution versus declaration of disease process.
 

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