About Parotidectomy
Key Highlights
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Performed by a specialist (Surgical Oncologist) with expertise in cancer removal and nerve preservation.Definitive treatment for tumors of the parotid gland, offering a potential cure for cancer.Modern techniques prioritize the preservation of the critical facial nerve to maintain facial movement.Helps in obtaining a precise tissue diagnosis (biopsy) and determining the exact stage of cancer.Can alleviate symptoms like facial swelling, pain, or nerve-related issues caused by the tumor.
Who is this surgery for?
- Primary benign tumors of the parotid gland (e.g., pleomorphic adenoma, Warthin's tumor).
- Malignant (cancerous) tumors of the parotid gland (e.g., mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma).
- Suspicious masses or lumps in the parotid region identified via imaging (CT/MRI) or fine-needle aspiration.
- Chronic or recurrent infections or inflammatory conditions of the parotid gland not responsive to medication.
- Metastatic cancer from another site (like skin cancer) that has spread to the parotid lymph nodes.
How to prepare
- Comprehensive pre-operative evaluation including imaging (CT/MRI scan) and often a fine-needle aspiration biopsy.
- Detailed discussion with the surgeon about the procedure, risks, benefits, and expected outcomes.
- Routine blood tests, ECG, and chest X-ray to ensure fitness for general anesthesia.
- Informing the surgeon about all current medications; may need to stop blood thinners several days prior.
- Fasting (no food or drink) for 6-8 hours before the scheduled surgery time.
Risks & possible complications
- Temporary or permanent weakness or paralysis of facial muscles (facial nerve injury).
- Numbness of the ear lobe and skin around the incision site.
- Formation of a salivary fistula (leakage of saliva) or a collection of fluid (seroma).
- Frey's Syndrome (gustatory sweating), where sweating occurs on the cheek while eating.
- Standard surgical risks: bleeding, infection, hematoma, scarring, and anesthesia-related complications.
- Recurrence of the tumor, especially if it was cancerous.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Hospital stay is typically required for 1-3 days for monitoring and initial pain management.
- A drain may be placed near the incision to remove excess fluid and is usually removed before discharge.
- Pain is managed with prescribed medications; keeping the head elevated helps reduce swelling.
- Diet may start with soft foods; avoiding sour or citrus foods that stimulate saliva production initially.
- Incision care involves keeping the area clean and dry; stitches are often removed after 7-10 days.
- Gradual return to normal activities; strenuous exercise should be avoided for 3-4 weeks.
- Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing, review pathology reports, and check for any nerve function issues.
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Typical hospital stay: 1-3 days
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Expected recovery time: 2-4 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering parotidectomy in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Top-rated hospitals in India with surgical oncology departments and experienced surgeons are ideal for this procedure. Use MediFyr to compare facilities, reviews, and doctor profiles before you decide.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform parotidectomy. MediFyr helps you compare surgical oncologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for parotidectomy compare across other countries where we have data.
Sarah Gupta, a 37-year-old graphic designer,...
Sarah Gupta, a 37-year-old graphic designer, had endured recurring bouts of painful swelling and infection in her right parotid gland for over a decade, diagnosed as chronic sialadenitis. Antibiotics provided temporary relief, but the quality of her life was deteriorating, with constant discomfort and fear of flare-ups. After a severe infection led to an abscess, her surgical oncologist, Dr. Lawson, recommended a parotidectomy to remove the chronically diseased gland. Sarah was exhausted and ready for a definitive solution but anxious about scarring on her face, a core part of her identity in a visual field. The procedure was straightforward, focusing on removing the inflamed tissue. The post-op pain was less than her worst infections. The emotional turnaround was significant. The constant background anxiety of pain vanished. The scar, which she now calls her 'battle stripe', is minimal. For the first time in years, she can eat a lemon without wincing. She feels a liberating sense of control over her body and has returned to her creative work with renewed energy and focus.
Surgical Oncologists for Parotidectomy
Explore experienced surgical oncologists who regularly perform parotidectomy and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 9 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 11 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 39 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 20 Years Experience
- Surgical Oncologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore