The parotid gland is the largest of the salivary glands. It is located in your cheek just in front of your ear, and extends back to behind the angle of your jaw. When you eat, nerve fibers stimulate the gland and it produces saliva to lubricate your mouth and help digest the food. The parotid gland can become swollen from infection from both viruses (mumps) and bacteria, and occasionally, an obstruction in the duct which drains the gland. Eighty percent of the tumors in the parotid gland are benign (non cancerous), but left untreated, can often grow into surrounding structures and become more difficult to remove.
Parotidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or a portion of the parotid gland. It is typically performed to remove tumors within the gland. The nerve that controls the muscles of your face (facial nerve) runs right through the middle of the parotid gland, and is identified and protected during the procedure to prevent a facial droop.
The procedure is performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made in the skin just in front of your ear, and carried down to below the jaw. This incision is similar to the incision used for facelifts, and is often difficult to see once healed. The facial nerve is identified, and the tumor and surrounding gland is removed. A continuous nerve monitor is used throughout the case to protect the facial nerve. The incision is then closed and a drain is placed.
Patients typically spend the night in the hospital following parotidectomy. In the morning, we will remove the drain, and you will be discharged home. You will need to return to the office the following week to have the sutures removed.
You will be given a prescription for pain medicine. Occasionally some patients notice some facial weakness immediately following the procedure, which nearly always resolves on its own. Severe pain, swelling or fever can be signs of a more serious problem, and your surgeon should be alerted immediately.