Parotidectomy

Removal of the parotid gland (a salivary gland in front of the ear) through a cut in front of the ear and the upper neck. This is usually performed to remove a tumor, or occasionally to to obstruction, and repeated infections

There are risks and complications with this procedure. They include but are not limited to the following.

General risks

• Infection can occur, requiring antibiotics and further treatment.
• Bleeding could occur and may require a return to the operating room.
• Small areas of the lung can collapse, increasing the risk of chest infection. This may need antibiotics and physiotherapy.
• Increased risk in obese people of wound infection, chest infection, heart and lung complications, and thrombosis.
• Heart attack or stroke could occur due to the strain on the heart.
• Blood clot in the leg (DVT) causing pain and swelling. In rare cases part of the clot may break off and go to the lungs.
• Death as a result of this procedure is rare but possible.

Specific risks

• The facial nerve which gives facial expression may be damaged and develop paralysis of the muscles on the side of the procedure. This is usually temporary but may be permanent in 1 in 100 people.
• Numbness of part of the ear which may be temporary but is usually permanent.
• Depression of facial features at the site of the removed parotid gland.
• In some people, the scar may be obvious and healing of the wound may be abnormal, the wound can be thickened and red and the scar may be painful.
• A feeling of heat and have a sweatiness around the ear. This may be temporary or permanent.
• Rarely in about 1 in 100 people a discharge of salivary fluid may occur from the scar. This will settle in time.
• The lump may recur and may need further surgery.