Parotidectomy (Superficial or Total Parotidectomy)

The parotid gland is one of the major salivary glands. There are two glands, one on each side of the face over the angle of the jaw. Tumors of the parotid gland are fairly common. Removal of parotid tumors are usually recommended. Approximately 20% of parotid tumors are malignant.

The following are possible complications and risks associated with these procedures. In addition to those listed; there may be some unforeseen complications as with any operative procedure.

Bleeding: Injury to major blood vessels is rare. Blood collection under the skin can occur requiring surgical removal.

Infection: Infection is always a possibility with any surgery. Fortunately, it is extremely uncommon. When it does occur, it may require prolonged antibiotic therapy and possible hospitalization.

Salivary Leak: On occasion, a persistent drainage of saliva through the suture line occurs. It is usually corrected with the application of pressure dressings. On rare occasions, surgical correction is required.

Facial Palsy: Partial or total loss of facial nerve function can occur with any surgery involving the parotid gland. In the majority of cases, the weakness is temporary. If the paralysis is permanent, additional surgery in the form of grafting may be required; in this instance, a temporary tarsorraphy (partial closure of the eyelid) or gold weight implantation is often indicated. If the facial nerve is removed as part of the resection for a tumor, immediate or delayed facial nerve grafting may be performed. When grafting is performed, some return of function can be expected in 70% of cases.

Numbness of the Earlobe: The nerves supplying sensation to the front of the ear and the earlobe are always cut during a parotidectomy. This results in numbness in this region and is to be expected. On occasion, some return of sensation is seen.

Frey's Syndrome: Sweating in the parotid region during or after a meal is experienced by approximately 2% of patients who undergo a parotidectomy. The cause of this syndrome is due to unusual nerve rerouting during the healing phase. This condition is usually treated medically.

Change in Appearance: Depression over the parotid area occurs with removal of the gland.

General Anesthesia Complications: There are risks involved with any anesthesia, including difficulty breathing, cardiac arrhythmia, and death.

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