Abstract: Objective　To investigate the effect on facial deformity and complications of sternocleidomastoid flaps(SCM) in the resection of benign parotid tumors.　Methods　Sixty-eight patients with benign parotid tumors were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group. Thirty-four patients in the control group were treated with traditional parotidectomy, while other 34 patients in the experimental group with sternocleidomastoid flap transferred to fill sunken operative area for repair after routine resection of parotid lesions. All the patients were followed for at least 6~12 months. The incidence of postoperative complications and facial deformity were compared and evaluated between the two groups. Results　The complained of postoperative facial palsy, Frey syndrome,  numbness in the ear, tumor recurrence rate were roughly same between the two groups. The incidence of salivary fistula in the experimental group (accounting for 15%) was significantly lower than that in the control group (accounting for 27%), with the statistical difference (P<0.05). The cosmetic result on the experimental group, the patient completed scores was (1.25±0.96), and the scores from the blinded health care staff was (1.11±0.99), while those in the control group were (2.45±1.33) and (2.26±0.87), respectively. There were statistical differences  in the subjective and objective scores of patients cosmetic result between the two groups (P<0.05). Conclusions　SCM parotid gland filling can improve postoperative facial deformities and provide a reasonable aesthetic choice for parotid gland reconstruction. 

Key words: Benign parotid tumors, 　Sternocleidomastoid flaps, 　Freys syndrome, 　Salivary fistula