5 Key Facts About Parotidectomy Surgery You Should Know (2025)

May 10, 2025

8 min read

Parotidectomy surgery, also known as parotid gland surgery, is a complex procedure that involves the removal of the parotid gland, a vital salivary gland located in the face. This surgery is typically performed to treat various conditions, including tumors, cysts, and infections. As with any surgical procedure, it is essential to understand the key facts about parotidectomy surgery to make informed decisions about your care. In this article, we will explore five crucial facts about parotidectomy surgery that you should know.

The parotid gland plays a significant role in our overall oral health, and its removal can have a substantial impact on our daily lives. The surgery is usually performed by an experienced otolaryngologist (ENT surgeon) or a facial plastic surgeon. The procedure can be challenging, and it requires a comprehensive understanding of the facial anatomy and the parotid gland's function.

Understanding Parotidectomy Surgery

Parotidectomy surgery is a delicate procedure that requires great skill and precision. The surgery involves making an incision in the face, usually in front of the ear, to access the parotid gland. The gland is then carefully dissected and removed, taking care to preserve the facial nerve, which runs through the gland. The facial nerve is responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression, and its preservation is crucial to prevent facial weakness or paralysis.

Key Facts About Parotidectomy Surgery

Here are five key facts about parotidectomy surgery that you should know:

Indications for Parotidectomy Surgery

Parotidectomy surgery is typically performed to treat various conditions affecting the parotid gland, including:

• Benign and malignant tumors: Tumors of the parotid gland can be benign or malignant, and surgery is often necessary to remove them.
• Cysts and abscesses: Cysts and abscesses of the parotid gland can cause pain, swelling, and infection, and surgery may be required to drain or remove them.
• Infections: Chronic infections of the parotid gland, such as parotiditis, may require surgery to remove the infected gland.

Surgical Techniques for Parotidectomy

There are different surgical techniques for parotidectomy, including:

The traditional open parotidectomy involves making a larger incision in the face to access the parotid gland. This technique is often used for larger tumors or more complex cases. Minimally invasive surgery, on the other hand, involves making smaller incisions and using specialized instruments to remove the gland. This technique can result in less scarring and a faster recovery.

Potential Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, parotidectomy surgery carries potential risks and complications, including:

• Facial weakness or paralysis: Damage to the facial nerve can cause weakness or paralysis of the facial muscles.
• Numbness or tingling: Numbness or tingling sensations in the face or ear can occur due to nerve damage.
• Frey syndrome: A condition that causes excessive sweating and flushing of the skin in response to eating or thinking about food.
• Infection and bleeding: As with any surgery, there is a risk of infection and bleeding.

💡 As an experienced ENT surgeon, I have seen many patients who have undergone parotidectomy surgery with great success. However, it is essential to discuss the potential risks and complications with a qualified surgeon to make informed decisions about your care.

Recovery and Rehabilitation

The recovery and rehabilitation process after parotidectomy surgery can vary depending on the individual and the extent of the surgery. Patients can expect to experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the face and ear, which can be managed with pain medication and ice packs. A soft-food diet is usually recommended for the first few days after surgery, and patients should avoid strenuous activities for several weeks.

Long-Term Outcomes and Quality of Life

The long-term outcomes and quality of life after parotidectomy surgery can vary depending on the individual and the underlying condition being treated. In general, patients can expect to experience improved symptoms and a reduced risk of complications. However, some patients may experience long-term effects, such as facial weakness or numbness, which can impact their quality of life.