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Parotid Surgery: What You Need to Know

What is the Parotid Gland?

The parotid glands are two major salivary glands located just in front of each ear. They help produce saliva, which keeps your mouth moist and helps with digestion.

What is a Parotidectomy?

A parotidectomy is an operation to remove part or all of the parotid gland. This surgery is usually done to treat:

  • Tumours (most are non-cancerous, but some can be cancerous)

  • Blockages in the salivary duct (like stones)

  • Chronic infections that don’t get better with medicine

  • Cysts or abscesses (fluid-filled lumps or infections)

Types of Parotidectomy

  • Superficial Parotidectomy: Removes only the outer part of the gland. This is common for non-cancerous tumours.

  • Total Parotidectomy: Removes the whole gland, usually if there is cancer.

How is the Surgery Done?

  1. Before Surgery: You may need scans (like ultrasound, CT, or MRI) and a needle biopsy (FNA) to check the gland. 

  2. During Surgery:  You’ll be asleep under general anaesthesia. Dr Fragkiadakis will make a curved cut in front of your ear, following natural skin lines. The facial nerve, which controls facial movement, runs through the gland. The surgeon will carefully find and protect this nerve. After removing the problem area, the cut is closed with dissolvable stitches and covered with a small dressing and skin glue.

  3. After Surgery:  You’ll be watched in recovery as you wake up. Most people go home the same day or after one night in the hospital.

What are the Risks?

All surgeries have some risks, but serious problems are rare. Possible risks include:

  • Facial nerve injury: This can cause weakness or paralysis on one side of your face. Dr Fragkiadakis always takes great care to avoid this.

  • Infection: Treated with antibiotics if needed.

  • Salivary fistula: Saliva may leak from the gland, but this usually heals on its own.

  • Bleeding or hematoma: Rarely, blood can collect under the skin and may need to be drained.

  • Scarring: The scar is usually hidden in a skin crease, but some people may develop thicker scars.

  • Frey’s syndrome: Rarely, you may sweat or blush on the cheek when eating.

  • Risks relating to the general anaesthetic: For more info for anaesthetic risks, you can check this link.

Recovery Tips

  • Hospital stay: Usually one night or less.

  • Pain and swelling: Common but manageable with medication.

  • Diet: You may need to eat soft foods and avoid chewing on the surgery side for a short time.

  • Activity: Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few weeks.

  • Follow-up: You’ll have check-ups to make sure you’re healing well and to discuss any test results.

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For further information, please click the link below

Parotid gland surgery

If you have any further queries call 02087207499 or email contact@entgeorge.com

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