Which of the following is a postoperative complication of a Parotidectomy?

Which of the following is a postoperative complication of a Parotidectomy?

Parotidectomy, whether subtotal or total, is a surgical procedure associated with certain possible complications–namely, facial nerve injury, hemorrhage, infection, salivary fistula, seroma, keloid formation, greater auricular nerve anesthesia, gustatory sweating, and recurrent tumor.

What to expect after a superficial Parotidectomy?

You may have some trouble chewing and swallowing for several days after you go home. You may have numbness in your earlobe and weakness in your face. For most people, these problems get better within 3 to 4 months. But it can take as long as a year.

How long does it take to recover from Parotidectomy?

For most people, these problems get better within 3 to 4 months. But it can take as long as a year. In some cases, problems with facial movement are permanent. This care sheet gives you a general idea about how long it will take for you to recover.

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.

Is a parotidectomy painful?

All operations involve some pain and discomfort. Our goal is to minimize this discomfort. Although you should be able to eat and drink normally, the main complaint is pain with swallowing. Most patients take Tylenol® to keep them comfortable at home, although patients are given Vicodin.

How do you sleep after a Parotidectomy?

Sleeping with proper support is essential to the healing process. In the first month after surgery it is best to sleep with 2-3 pillows, because the head being elevated a little bit helps bring down the swelling faster. But not use too many pillows that would stop from sleeping well. Sleep is very important for healing …

How long does it take for swelling to go down after a Parotidectomy?

This swelling will increase overnight. To reduce swelling, you may gently apply an ice pack to the surgical incision during the first 48 hours following surgery. If possible, sleep with your head elevated on two pillows. Most of your swelling should subside over 4 to 5 days.

What happens when you remove the parotid gland?

Permanent damage is possible but usually occurs in only the most difficult cases. Depending on the branch of the nerve that is damaged you may experience: • Weakness of the lower lip, leading to a slightly crooked smile. Weakness of the eyelids, making it difficult to keep the eye closed.

Is Parotidectomy major surgery?

MSK’s parotid gland surgeons, including Ian Ganly, have extensive experience in using precise techniques that help preserve the facial nerve. For many people with parotid gland tumors, surgery performed by a head and neck surgeon is the main treatment.

How do you sleep after a parotidectomy?

What kind of doctor performs a parotidectomy?

head and neck surgeon
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.

What happens when you remove parotid gland?

How long does it take to recover from parotid 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.

What type of surgeon does Parotidectomy?

Is a Parotidectomy a 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 you have a parotidectomy on your face?

In most cases a tumor growth is not cancer (benign). The growth may cause you to have pain and swelling in your face. The growth may cause facial numbness (loss of feeling), or decreased movement in parts of your face. Before having a parotidectomy, imaging tests may be done to help plan your surgery.

Are there any treatments for cancer after a parotidectomy?

Treatment for cancer: If your parotidectomy was done to remove cancer, you may need cancer treatment after your surgery. Ask your caregiver for more information about the following treatments for cancer: Radiation: Radiation shrinks tumors and kills cancer cells with x-rays or gamma rays.

What happens if you have a parotid gland tumor?

Loss of facial nerve function related to the treatment of a parotid gland tumor can result in partial or total paralysis on one side of the face. This can greatly impair a person’s ability to make basic movements of the face, such as raising the eyebrows, closing the eyes, or smiling.

What to do if you have nerve paralysis after a parotidectomy?

You may have trouble blinking or closing your eyes. You may need eye drops, eye ointment, or eye bandages to prevent dryness and damage. Ask your caregiver about these and other treatments you may need if you have facial nerve paralysis. After having a parotidectomy, your sweat glands may not work as they did before your surgery.

What do you need to know after a parotidectomy?

You may need eye drops, eye ointment, or eye bandages to prevent dryness and damage. Ask your caregiver about these and other treatments you may need if you have facial nerve paralysis. After having a parotidectomy, your sweat glands may not work as they did before your surgery. Gustatory sweating may occur when you eat.

Is it possible to have permanent facial weakness after parotid surgery?

We use nerve monitors and very gentle technique during your surgery. However, it is possible to have some temporary nerve weakness in your face after the surgery. Generally, this occurs around the corner of the mouth. It is usually very mild and returns within a few weeks. It is rare to have any permanent facial weakness.

Is it possible to have nerve pain after parotid surgery?

The numbness around your ear lobe may be permanent but will improve slightly over time. This does not usually pose a problem but can be aggravating. We use nerve monitors and very gentle technique during your surgery. However, it is possible to have some temporary nerve weakness in your face after the surgery.

When to have surgery for a parotid gland tumor?

Your surgeon may recommend a superficial parotidectomy (surgery to remove all or part of the superficial lobe) if the tumor is confined to the superficial lobe of the parotid gland. The cut (incision) required to remove the tumor begins at the front of the ear and follows the line down to the neck and under and along the jawline.