What is a parotidectomy?

It is a surgery used to remove the parotid gland. It is the largest salivary gland which is located in front of the ears and is responsible for making and secretion saliva. Saliva is essential for food digestion and the killing of bacteria. Cancers of the salivary gland mostly start in the parotid gland. Most parotid Cancers are benign. Parotidectomy is done to treat salivary cancer and sometimes non-cancerous situations like chronic infection of blockage of salivary glands. This is most typically done because of neoplasms that are tumors. It can be benign or malignant too. Dr. Ashesh Bhushan is the best throat specialist who gives great advice on parotidectomy.

How is a parotidectomy done?

The two types of parotidectomy are:

1. Superficial parotidectomy: In this type, the outer part of the parotid gland is removed. An incision in front of the ear and down the neck is made. It does not affect the way our face moves, because the facial nerve is avoided during the procedure.

2. Total parotidectomy: In this procedure, the entire parotid gland mostly is removed. An incision is made in front of the ear and down the neck. The facial nerve and other tissues might be removed depending on the place of the tumor. This could affect the way our face moves. There may be situations when lymph nodes need to be removed. This procedure is called a lymphadenectomy. It requires the removal of connective tissue, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. A cut is made in the neck for this surgery.

What are the risks of having a parotidectomy?

Any surgery comes with risks and side effects. The possible risks can be:

1. You can have a reaction to anesthesia like wheezing, swelling, or low blood pressure.

2. You can experience bleeding and blood clots.

3. Infections.

4. Damage to the facial nerve can cause facial muscle loss, issues with movement of your tongue, problems with speech, problems with swallowing, or weakness in the lower lip.

5. Frey syndrome is a condition that causes facial flushing and sweating when eating or even thinking, or dreaming about eating.

6. Numbness in the ear.

7. Dry eye

8. Salivary fistula.

9. Change in physical appearance.

Preventive steps after the surgery:

1. Take the medication prescribed as directed by your Fetal Medicine Specialist.

2. Eat bland food, with no sour or spicy ingredients.

3. Sleep with your head raised above your heart.

4. No alcohol.

5. No smoking.

6. No lifting anything that is over 10 pounds.

7. No bending.

8. No air traveling after

2 weeks of surgery.

9. Do not submerge the cut in the water.

We are here to help you to find the best ENT surgeon in Greater Noida or Noida. Contact us to get an appointment with Dr. Ashesh Bhushan which is an experienced and so qualified doctor in Noida.