What is the parotid?
it is one of the major salivary glands, it is the lateral part of the face Infront of the ears, we have 2 parotids glands one in each side of the face.
What is the function of salivary glands?
help in producing saliva to keep the mouth moisturized, help with keeping the mucosa and teeth healthy, it also plays a major role during chewing food as it contains many enzymes that help in the process of digestion of food
Why did my doctor recommend Parotidectomy?
Your doctor will discuss with you the decision for Parotidectomy and may offer the procedure in case of parotid gland swelling or malignancy.
How is Parotidectomy procedure done?
It is done under general anesthesia, through a cut on the lateral part of the face, the cut will be done with the normal creases of the skin to reduce the formation of a deep scar after surgery, it will take 1.5-2 hours with 2-4 days admission.
Possible complications?
Infection
Salivary Leak:
Facial Palsy: Partial or total loss
Numbness of the Earlobe: The nerves supplying sensation to the front of the ear and the earlobe may be cut during a parotidectomy.
Frey’s Syndrome: Sweating in the parotid region during or after a meal is occasionally, experienced by patients
What to expect after your surgery?
Pain is expected after surgery and it may last for the first few days. It is usually controlled with pain medicine.
You will have a drain (a small bag) in the site of the surgery to collect blood or secretion, and the doctor will remove it after 2-4 days depending on the amount of fluid collected.
A pressure dressing will be applied after surgery to avoid fluid collection in the wound, it might be a little uncomfortable, you can always inform your doctor and nurse.
You will be able to eat and drink normally after the surgery.
You will stay in hospital for 2-4 days and you can go home after the doctor remove the drain.
Sutures will be removed after 7 days.
The result of the tissue will be ready after 10-14 days, your doctor will discuss the result with you on your appointment.
Written card with your appointments will be given before you go home.
At Home:
Take your medication on time
Sleep in a normal position
You can eat normal diet.
Always keep the area of surgery dry.
You can drive normally unless you feel dizzy and unsteady.
Avoid heavy exercise in the first 2 weeks
Avoid traveling for 2 weeks
** when to come to emergency: (Hamad general hospital)
In case of swelling at the site of surgery go IMMEDIATELY to HAMAD emergency
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