Surgery and plastic Is a Parotidectomy major surgery?
A parotidectomy is the surgical excision (removal) of the parotid gland, the major and largest of the salivary glands. The procedure is most typically performed due to neoplasms (tumors), which are growths of rapidly and abnormally dividing cells.
What happens when parotid gland is removed?
As a result you may have a numb or tingling feeling in your earlobe. The facial nerve, which makes the muscles of the face work, runs through the parotid gland. Damage to the nerve or its branches usually occurs as a result of bruising. This can happen whilst they are held out of the way and protected during surgery.
How long does it take to recover from parotid gland surgery?
Your family and friends mean well, but we can provide better information. Incisions take approximately 6 weeks to heal, however they continue to remodel for one to two years after surgery. Initially during the first 6 weeks scar creams should be used to hasten the initial healing.
Is a Parotidectomy painful?
A drainage tube may be left in the wound to prevent collection of fluid under the skin. The tube is removed when drainage stops, usually only a few days. The side of your face will be sore for at least a week and swollen for about 3 weeks. While you are recovering, you may feel discomfort when chewing.
How do you sleep after a Parotidectomy?
KEEP HEAD ELEVATED WHILE RESTING, RELAXING, OR SLEEPING FOR AT LEAST 1-2 WEEKS FOLLOWING SURGERY. SLEEP ON YOUR BACK ONLY. Sleep is very important so lay down at an elevated angle that allows you to sleep. You may shower with lukewarm water the day after your drain has been removed.
What type of surgeon does Parotidectomy?
For many people with parotid gland tumors, surgery performed by a head and neck surgeon is the main treatment. This operation is called a parotidectomy. The parotid gland consists of two lobes: the superficial lobe and the deep lobe.
How long will I be off work after a Parotidectomy?
The skin may get a little yellowish because the fluid under the surface is being absorbed and cause this color change. The skin color will return to normal in the following two weeks. May return to work anywhere between 10-14 days after surgery. May return to exercise in 3-4 weeks.
Can a parotid gland grow back?
Recurrent parotid tumors unfortunately regrow after initial treatment, requiring further surgery. Repeat surgery increases both the chances of facial paralysis and facial cosmetic deformities.
Should a benign parotid tumor be removed?
Treatment Surgery is recommended for almost all parotid gland tumors, whether cancerous or benign. Although most tumors grow slowly and are non-cancerous, they will often continue to grow and occasionally can become cancerous. Treatment of a parotid tumor generally requires removing the parotid gland (parotidectomy).
How serious is a parotid tumor?
Tumors can occur in any of these glands, but the parotid glands are the most common location for salivary gland tumors. Most parotid tumors are noncancerous (benign), though some tumors can become cancerous.
What causes a tumor in the parotid gland?
Causes include dehydration, smoking and exposure to radiation. Most salivary tumors are noncancerous, and small blockages may pass without treatment. Severe cases may require the removal of a salivary gland.
What can you eat after salivary gland surgery?
You can eat your normal diet. If your stomach is upset, try bland, low-fat foods like plain rice, broiled chicken, toast, and yogurt. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid becoming dehydrated. You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery.
How do they do a biopsy of the parotid gland?
One type of salivary gland biopsy is a needle biopsy. The skin or mucous membrane over the gland is cleaned with rubbing alcohol. A local pain-killing medicine (anesthetic) may be injected, and a needle is inserted into the gland. A piece of tissue or cells are removed and placed on slides.
How common are salivary gland tumors?
Salivary glands
Salivary gland tumors are rare. Salivary glands make saliva, which aids in digestion, keeps your mouth moist and supports healthy teeth. You have three pairs of major salivary glands under and behind your jaw — parotid, sublingual and submandibular.