Parotidectomy is the removal of the parotid gland. This gland is found below the ear. It makes saliva. The saliva enters the mouth through a tube (duct) near the back teeth.
The gland is taken out to remove a blockage in the parotid duct. This can be caused by a stone, scarring, or a tumor. Most tumors that grow in the parotid gland are benign, meaning they are not cancer.
You will be asleep during the surgery. The doctor will take out the gland through a cut (incision) in your neck and in front of your ear. The incision usually heals without leaving an obvious scar.
You will likely have a tube called a drain placed behind your ear. This lets fluid out of the incision. Your doctor will probably take this out a few days after your surgery.
Your doctor will tell you if you need to come back to have stitches taken out.
You may be able to return to work or your normal routine after a few weeks. How long it will take depends on several things, such as how much tissue was taken out, how quickly you recover, and the kind of work you do.
Surgery can be stressful. This information will help you understand what you can expect. And it will help you safely prepare for surgery.
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
Parotidectomy (say "puh-rawt-ih-DEK-tuh-mee") is the removal of the parotid glands, located below the ears. They make saliva, which enters the mouth through a tube (duct) near the back teeth. Most tumors that grow in the parotid glands are benign, which means they aren't cancer.
You may leave the hospital with stitches in the cut (incision) the doctor made. Your doctor will tell you if you need to come back to have these removed. You may still have a tube called a drain in your neck. Your doctor will take this out a few days after your surgery.
You may have some trouble chewing and swallowing for several days after you go home. You may have numbness in your earlobe and weakness in your face. For most people, these problems get better within 3 to 4 months. But it can take as long as a year. In some cases, problems with facial movement are permanent.
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated