Procedure
Before the Procedure
- An intravenous line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. This line is used to give you fluids and medicines.
- To keep you free of pain during the surgery, you’re given general anesthesia. This medicine puts you into a deep sleep so you don't feel pain.
During the Procedure
- The surgeon makes a cut (incision) from the front of your ear to partway down your neck to expose the parotid gland.
- The facial nerve is located and great care is taken to avoid harming this nerve. A facial nerve monitor (a machine with a small sensor that's put on your cheek) may be used to map the nerve’s exact location. It makes noise when the nerve is triggered. This helps to avoid damage.
- The parotid gland is removed.
- If cancer is present, a margin of healthy tissue around the gland is also removed and nearby lymph nodes may also be taken out.
- The incision is closed with stitches (sutures), surgical glue, or both.
- A small tube (drain) may be put into the surgical area. This drains blood and fluid that may build up after surgery. The drain will likely be removed before you go home.
After the Procedure
- You'll be shifted to a recovery room following the surgery to wake up from the anesthesia. You may feel sleepy and nauseated at first. You will be given medicine to control pain. You may then be taken to a hospital room to stay for a day or so.
- Once you are ready, arrange for someone responsible to drive you home.
- Have someone stay with you for a few days as your healing begins. If you’re sent home with a drain, you will be shown how to care for it.
Benefits
Parotidectomy can offer several benefits depending on the specific condition being treated. Here are some potential benefits of parotidectomy:
Treatment of tumors
Parotidectomy is commonly performed to remove tumors in the parotid gland, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). By removing the tumor, parotidectomy can effectively treat the underlying condition, potentially preventing further growth or spread of the tumor.
Relief from symptoms
Parotid gland tumors, infections, or stones can cause symptoms such as pain, swelling, facial weakness, difficulty swallowing, and dry mouth. Parotidectomy can alleviate these symptoms by removing the source of the problem.
Prevention of complications
Parotidectomy may be done to prevent potential complications associated with certain conditions affecting the parotid gland. For example, if a tumor is pressing on the facial nerve, which controls facial movements, parotidectomy may be performed to prevent further nerve damage.
Resolution of recurrent infections
Chronic or recurrent infections of the parotid gland, such as chronic sialadenitis, may be difficult to manage with conservative treatments alone. Parotidectomy can remove the gland, preventing further episodes of infection.
Improved quality of life
Relief from symptoms such as pain, swelling, and difficulty swallowing or speaking can significantly improve a patient's quality of life after parotidectomy, especially if they are experiencing discomfort or functional limitations due to their condition.
Diagnosis and staging of tumors
Parotidectomy also allows for the removal of tissue for pathological examination, which can aid in diagnosing the nature and extent of tumors, helping guide further treatment decisions.
Parotidectomy Care at Medicover
At Medicover Hospitals, we have the most experienced team of otolaryngologists providing exceptional surgical procedures such as parotidectomy to our patients. Our ENT surgeons at Medicover use a multidisciplinary approach to diagnose and treat salivary gland conditions with utmost precision. We provide a wide variety of diagnostic and treatment procedures using the most advanced technologies and world-class equipment, bringing out the best possible outcomes.