A parotidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the parotid gland, often performed to treat tumours, chronic infections, or salivary stones.
Parotid glands are basically special spit-making factories in your face. They're the largest of your salivary glands, which are glands that produce saliva (spit). You have two parotid glands, one on each side of your mouth, just in front of your ears. Their main job is to make lots of watery saliva. This saliva helps to:
It makes your food wet and slippery, so it's easier to chew and swallow.
It starts breaking down your food as soon as you start eating.
It keeps your mouth clean and moist.
There are three pairs of major salivary glands in your mouth area:
Parotid glands: The biggest ones, located in front of your ears.
Submandibular glands: Found under your jaw on both sides.
Sublingual glands: The smallest, sitting under your tongue.
All these glands work together to keep your mouth moist and help you eat and digest your food properly.
What is a parotidectomy?
A parotidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the parotid gland. The parotid glands are the largest of your salivary glands, located on each side of your face, just in front of your ears. These glands produce saliva, which helps with chewing, swallowing, and digesting food.
At Hills Surgical Oncology, we have Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak who is a highly skilled Head and Neck Surgeon and Surgical Oncologist who specialises in performing parotidectomies. With clinics in Wahroonga and Norwest, he can help patients requiring this procedure.
A parotidectomy is a procedure to remove the parotid gland (one of your salivary glands)
Why is a parotidectomy performed?
There are several reasons why your doctor might recommend a parotidectomy. Some common reasons include:
Tumours: Most parotid tumours are benign (non-cancerous), but some can be malignant (cancerous).
Chronic infections: Recurring infections in the parotid gland that don't respond to other treatments.
Stones: Large stones in the parotid gland that block saliva flow and cause pain or swelling.
Sjogren's syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can affect the parotid glands.
What are the different types of parotidectomy?
There are several types of parotidectomy procedures:
Superficial parotidectomy: Removal of only the outer part of the parotid gland.
Total parotidectomy: Removal of the entire parotid gland.
Partial parotidectomy: Removal of the part of the gland containing the tumour.
The type of parotidectomy you need depends on your specific condition.
What happens during a parotidectomy?
A parotidectomy is typically performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you'll be asleep during the procedure. Here's what you can expect:
Anaesthesia: The anaesthetist will administer medication to put you to sleep.
Incision: Dr Abdul-Razak will make an incision in front of your ear, extending down to your neck. This incision is designed to be as inconspicuous as possible.
Identifying the facial nerve: The facial nerve, which controls facial movements, runs through the parotid gland. The surgeon carefully identifies and preserves this nerve.
Removing the gland: The affected part of the parotid gland is carefully removed.
Checking for bleeding: The surgical site is thoroughly checked to ensure there's no bleeding.
Closing the incision: The incision is closed with stitches or surgical glue.
The entire procedure usually takes about 2 to 5 hours, depending on the extent of the surgery.
What should I expect after a parotidectomy?
After your parotidectomy at Hills Surgical Oncology:
Recovery room: You'll spend some time in a recovery room where nurses will monitor your vital signs.
Hospital stay: Most patients stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days after the surgery.
Pain management: You may experience some discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication.
Drainage tube: You might have a small tube to drain fluid from the incision site, which is typically removed before you go home.
Facial movements: Your surgeon will check your facial movements to ensure the facial nerve is functioning properly.
Numbness: You may experience numbness in the surgical area, which usually improves over time.
Dr Abdul-Razak and his team will provide comprehensive post-operative care instructions to ensure a smooth recovery.
What is the recovery process like after a parotidectomy?
Recovery from a parotidectomy varies from person to person, but generally:
Rest: You'll need to rest for about a week after surgery.
Incision care: Keep the incision clean and dry. Dr Abdul-Razak will provide specific instructions on wound care.
Pain management: Take pain medication as prescribed to manage discomfort.
Diet: You can usually return to your normal diet soon after surgery, but start with soft foods if chewing is uncomfortable.
Activity: Avoid strenuous activities for at least 2 weeks after surgery.
Follow-up: You'll have follow-up appointments with Dr Abdul-Razak to monitor your recovery and remove any stitches if necessary.
Most people can return to work and normal activities within 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.
Are there any risks or complications with a parotidectomy?
Like all surgical procedures, parotidectomy carries some risks. However, when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr Abdul-Razak at Hills Surgical Oncology, complications are rare. Potential risks include:
Facial nerve injury: This can cause temporary or permanent weakness in facial muscles.
Frey's syndrome: A condition where the cheek sweats while eating.
Numbness: Around the ear, cheek, or neck.
Salivary fistula: A rare complication where saliva leaks through the skin.
Bleeding or infection at the surgical site.
Dr Abdul-Razak takes every precaution to minimise these risks and will discuss them with you in detail before the procedure.
Will my appearance change after a parotidectomy?
It's natural to be concerned about how you'll look after parotidectomy. Here's what you can expect:
Incision scar: The incision is carefully placed to be as inconspicuous as possible. Over time, the scar usually fades and becomes less noticeable.
Facial contour: There may be a slight depression where the gland was removed, but this is often not very noticeable.
Facial movements: In most cases, facial movements return to normal or near-normal after recovery.
Dr Abdul-Razak at Hills Surgical Oncology uses advanced surgical techniques to minimise changes to your appearance while effectively treating your condition.
After a parotidectomy, there is a small scar left behind the jaw where the incision was made to remove the parotid gland.
When can I return to work after a parotidectomy?
The time it takes to return to work after a parotidectomy can vary depending on your job and how you're feeling. In general:
Most people can return to desk jobs within 1 to 2 weeks.
For jobs requiring physical labour, you may need 3 to 4 weeks off.
Dr Abdul-Razak will provide personalised advice based on your recovery progress and the nature of your work.
Give our friendly receptionists a call on 1300 560 311 and they can help find a convenient time at all our locations. For urgent appointments, please let our receptionists know and we can try find the earliest time to see you.
A thyroidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of the thyroid gland, often performed to treat conditions like thyroid cancer, goitre, or hyperthyroidism.
