Ethics of Frey syndrome: Ensuring that consent is truly informed

Abstract

Frey syndrome is a widely recognized sequela of parotidectomy with a variable prevalence dependent upon diagnostic criteria. There exists a multitude of strategies for both prevention and treatment. Surgeons are obligated to engage patients in a frank and open discussion of the operative risks, benefits, and alternatives. Due to uncertainty regarding the significance of Frey syndrome postoperatively, the process of informed consent and preoperative decision-making pose a potential ethical quandary. This commentary is designed to heighten the awareness of the preoperative informed consent process by dissecting the ethical tenets underlying these patient encounters using Frey syndrome as an example, ensuring that patients are granted the opportunity to participate in their own care in accordance with the concept of individual autonomy. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2010