Things To Expect In Parotidectomy

Today, undergoing a surgical operation is so common that people become comfortable dealing with it than ever before. Unlike before, benign tumors can now be easily detected and removed through the contemporary instruments for diagnosis and surgical procedures. And the parotid gland is no exemption to it.

But a person may ask, “What is parotid?” Parotid is the largest of the salivary glands that is found in front of the ear. The three most frequent reasons people undergo parotidectomy include the removal of a tumor, getting treated from a recurring infection and the removal of matters that block the saliva flow. A large percentage of parotid patients have benign growths that have been a result of other illnesses, sinus infections or cough. Malignant tumors can also harm the parotid. However, instances like these rarely happen.

And while most of the lumps can cause no harm, patients are still encouraged to to undergo parotidectomy because the lump, which is already considered unsightly, can grow larger and can become harmful after several years. Besides the bigger the lump grows, the harder it is to remove.

Parotid surgery is done under general anesthesia. Hence, the patient is asleep during the process. Then the surgeon will place a drain through the patient’s skin to avoid blood clot. Typically it takes two days before the doctor recommends that it is already safe to remove the tube.

While parotid surgery is generally considered a safe procedure, there are still possible complications involved as with all other surgeries. This may include the following: post-operative bleeding, facial weakness, facial indentation, blood clot, numbness of the face and ear, possible return of the tumor, salivary collection, and Frey’s Syndrome, whose symptoms include redness and sweating on the cheek area next to the ear.

But still, surgeons recommend the removal of the lump since the risks associated with parotidectomy are minimal compared to not having the tumor eliminated. In addition, such post-surgical inconveniences are only temporary so patients have nothing to worry about. But as always, it’s significant to discuss with your doctor when the pain caused by the surgical operation becomes hard to ignore.

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