The parotid gland is also known as your saliva gland. These glands are found in the cheek, in front of and below the ear. The facial nerve, which helps with facial movement, also goes through the parotid gland.
During a parotidectomy, part or all of the parotid gland is removed. It’s typically performed to remove a tumour.
A parotid gland (saliva gland) may need to be removed if:
A superficial parotidectomy is undertaken to treat tumours and is completed under general anaesthetic.
During a parotidectomy, a surgeon begins by making a cut from in front of and below the ear. The surgeon will locate the facial nerve, which passes right through the middle of the parotid gland.
Using a nerve monitoring device, the surgeon carefully follows the nerve through the gland so not to damage it. This nerve controls the muscles that allow you to smile and frown, blink and close the eyes and close the lips.
Part or all of the gland is removed, depending on its condition, and the surgeon stitches up the incision and a drain is inserted.
Benign parotid tumours must be completely removed. In more serious cases, the facial nerve will also need to be removed, causing permanent weakness of the facial muscles – also known as facial palsy.
Radiotherapy may follow when cancer is present in the parotid gland, as well as outpatient follow-up.
You will be able to move around soon after the operation and you will be home within one to two days.
You may need to have stitches removed after a week. You will be provided with post-operative care instructions that include keeping the wound dry and the dressing on for at least seven days. Be gentle with the site of the surgery and don’t apply heat packs. Smoking should be avoided.
Scarring is usually inconspicuous after this operation.
Notify the RPS team immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
Testing methods to detect lumps in parotid glands include:
No, there is a parotid gland on both sides of the face, as well as other saliva glands, big and small. Removing one parotid gland won’t cause a dry mouth.
We recommend taking two weeks off to recover. In the first 24 hours after surgery it’s not recommended to drive, operate heavy machinery or make major decisions.
Facial nerve damage
As the facial nerve runs through the parotid gland, parotidectomy is a delicate procedure and it’s not possible to guarantee the nerve won’t be damaged.
If the nerve is damaged, it can result in complete or incomplete paralysis, affecting some or all of the facial muscles. Six out of 100 people experience temporary weakness in some of the muscles after a parotidectomy and it can last up to one year.
One out of 100 people experience permanent weakness in muscles on one half of their face. The muscles can’t be repaired, however there are procedures that help the eye to close and help the face look more symmetrical.
Other temporary side effects:
Other permanent side effects
RPS will give you specific advice regarding your individual post-operative recovery. They will advise:
The extensive specialist skills of our surgical team ensure that you are provided with surgical options designed to maximise form and function.
Dr Michael Findlay holds an impressive array of academic credentials, extensive professional experience and a personal commitment to patient satisfaction.
