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Get Advanced Parotidectomy at Pristyn Care

Need surgery to remove a lump or tumour in your cheek or near your jaw? Parotidectomy is a safe and effective procedure to remove part or all of the parotid gland. At Pristyn Care, our expert ENT surgeons use modern techniques for a smooth surgery and quicker recovery. Book your appointment today.

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    Dr. Richa Mina (1FJxOOyBQw)

    Dr. Richa Mina

    MBBS, DLO
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    20 Years Experience

    location icon Pristyn Care La Midas, DLF Phase 3, Gurugram
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    Dr. Saloni Spandan Rajya...

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    location icon bur, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400089
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    Dr. Manu Bharath

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    16 Years Experience

    location icon WH6J+7R6, MARIGOLD SQUARE, 9th Cross Rd, ITI La
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    Dr. Divya Badanidiyur (XiktdZyczR)

    Dr. Divya Badanidiyur

    MBBS, DNB
    16 Yrs.Exp.

    4.6/5

    16 Years Experience

    location icon 76, 17th Cross Rd, Malleshwaram, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560055
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What is the Parotid Gland?

The parotid gland is one of the major salivary glands in the body. There are two parotid glands, one on each side of your face, located just in front of the ears. These glands produce saliva, which helps in chewing, swallowing, and digestion by keeping your mouth moist.

Each parotid gland is divided into two parts:

  • Superficial lobe- located above the facial nerve
  • Deep lobe- located below the facial nerve

The facial nerve, which controls the muscles of facial expression, runs through the parotid gland. This is why parotid surgery (parotidectomy) must be performed with great care to avoid damaging the nerve.

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What is a Parotidectomy?

A parotidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the parotid gland, one of the major salivary glands located in front of the ear, on each side of the face. This surgery is done to treat a tumour, infection, or salivary duct stone that affects the gland.

Types of Parotidectomy

Healthcare professionals classify parotidectomy by the area of the gland involved and the extent of removal. Pristyn Care offers the following:

1. Superficial or Partial Parotidectomy

This surgery removes only the affected portion, usually the superficial lobe while preserving as much of the gland as possible.

Why it is done:

  • To treat benign tumours like pleomorphic adenoma.
  • May relieve obstructive issues, including stones or infections.

Procedure steps:

  1. General anaesthetic is administered.
  2. An incision is made along the natural crease by the ear.
  3. Facial nerve is identified and carefully preserved using nerve monitoring.
  4. Only the tumour-bearing part (often the superficial lobe) is removed, with minimal healthy tissue.
  5. Incision is closed and a drain placed to prevent fluid build-up.

Benefits:

  • Reduced risk of facial nerve injury.
  • Less recovery time and fewer complications than total removal.

2. Total or Radical Parotidectomy

This surgery removes all parotid tissue in one or both lobes, potentially including adjacent lymph nodes, a more involved procedure.

Why it is done:

  • Treats malignant tumours located in the deep lobe or tumours spanning both lobes.
  • Also used for large, invasive tumours affecting facial nerve function.

Procedure steps:

  1. Under general anaesthetic, a larger incision is made to access the deep lobe.
  2. Facial nerve and its branches are carefully identified and monitored.
  3. Surgeon removes the entire parotid gland—including tumour and nearby lymph nodes, if needed.
  4. Reconstruction may be undertaken during the same procedure (e.g., grafts or tissue flaps) to fill the defect and restore facial symmetry.
  5. Wound closed with drains inserted to prevent post‑operative fluid collection.

Benefits and risks:

  • Offers best chance of removing malignant disease.
  • Higher risk of temporary or permanent facial nerve weakness.
  • Risk of Frey’s syndrome (sweating on the cheek during meals), first‑bite syndrome, numbness, bleeding, infection, fluid collections.

3. Sialoendoscopy

This is a minimally invasive procedure using a tiny endoscope inserted into the salivary duct.

Why it is done:

  • Ideal for salivary duct stones, blockages, or recurrent sialadenitis.
  • Preserves the gland entirely and avoids open surgery.

Procedure steps:

  1. Local or general anaesthetic used.
  2. Endoscope inserted through the duct opening.
  3. Miniature instruments clear stones or dilate narrowing.
  4. Procedure is typically outpatient, with few or no large incisions.

Benefits:

  • Gland-preserving and cosmetically favourable.
  • Fast recovery, minimal scarring, and fewer complications.

How Should I Prepare for This Procedure?

Preparing for a parotidectomy is an important step to ensure a safe and successful outcome. Your ENT specialist (otolaryngologist) will provide specific instructions tailored to your case, but here are general guidelines most patients follow:

Before Parotid Surgery:

  • Stop smoking, as it can slow healing and increase the risk of complications.
  • Inform your surgeon about all medications and supplements you are taking. You may be advised to stop certain blood thinners or supplements before the surgery.
  • Ask when to stop eating or drinking (usually at least 6-8 hours before surgery).
  • Check if the surgery requires an overnight stay or if it will be a day-care procedure.
  • Arrange transportation and care. You will need someone to drive you home and stay with you for at least 24 hours after the procedure.

Diagnostic Tests and Imaging

If your parotidectomy is being performed due to a tumour or abnormal growth in the parotid gland, your surgeon may recommend:

  • Fine-needle aspiration biopsy: This involves using a thin needle to extract a small sample from the parotid gland. The sample is tested to determine whether the tumour is benign or malignant.
  • CT or MRI scan: These imaging tests help identify the exact size and location of the mass. They also help your surgeon assess the position of important structures like the facial nerve, which must be protected during the parotid gland removal.

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What Happens During a Parotidectomy?

Parotidectomy is usually performed to remove a tumour, cyst, or chronic infection. Here’s what typically happens during the parotidectomy procedure:

In the Beginning of the Surgery:

  • You will be given general anaesthesia through an IV, so you will be fully asleep and pain-free during the operation.
  • A facial nerve monitor may be used throughout the surgery to help protect the nerve that controls facial movement.

During the Procedure:

    1. A surgical incision is made in front of the ear, extending downward around the earlobe and into the natural crease of the upper neck. This allows the surgeon to access the parotid gland while keeping the scar discreet.
    2. The surgeon carefully lifts the skin and tissue to expose the parotid gland.
    3. Depending on your diagnosis, your surgeon will perform one of the following:
      • Superficial parotidectomy
      • Total parotidectomy
      • Sialoendoscopy

                4. Lymph nodes may also be removed, especially if imaging or biopsy shows signs of                      cancer spread.

                5. After the gland is removed, the surgeon will insert a small drain (surgical tube) to                      collect fluid and reduce swelling.

                6. The incision is then closed with sutures or surgical glue.

What Happens After a Parotidectomy?

Once your parotid surgery is complete, you will be moved to a recovery room where a healthcare provider will closely monitor your vital signs and ensure you’re comfortable. Your medical team may ask you to perform small facial movements like smiling or blinking to check that your facial nerve is functioning properly after the parotid gland removal.

After Parotidectomy:

  • Surgical Drain: A small drain will be placed to remove excess fluid from the surgical site.
  • Wound Care: You will get clear instructions on keeping the incision clean and dry to help prevent infection.
  • Follow-up Appointments:
    • 1–2 days after surgery: The drain is usually removed by your doctor.
    • 5–7 days after surgery: If non-absorbable stitches were used, these are typically removed at this stage.
    • 4–6 weeks after surgery: A follow-up check is done to ensure your wound is healing well and to monitor for any complications.

Potential Risks, Complications, and Side Effects of Parotidectomy

While the surgery is generally safe and effective, it is still a major operation and may carry certain risks and side effects. Here are the most commonly reported outcomes:

Common side effects after parotidectomy:

  • Pain and swelling around the surgery site (usually lasts 1 to 3 weeks)
  • Jaw stiffness or discomfort while eating or speaking (can last 2 to 4 weeks)
  • Temporary numbness in the earlobe, face, or jaw due to nerve handling (may take several months to resolve)

Potential complications:

  • Facial nerve weakness or paralysis, especially if the tumour is close to the facial nerve. This may be temporary (weeks to months), but in rare cases, it can be long-term
  • Frey’s syndrome
    Sweating in the cheek area while eating, which may develop a few months after surgery
  • First bite syndrome
    Sharp pain in the cheek when taking the first bite of each meal
  • Hematoma
    Blood collection under the skin near the incision
  • Seroma
    Fluid build-up at the surgical site
  • Infection or delayed healing at the incision
  • Allergic reaction to medications given during or after surgery
  • Injury to nearby structures, although this is uncommon with skilled surgeons

 

Benefits of Parotidectomy

Here are the key benefits of undergoing a parotidectomy:

  • Effective removal of benign tumours
  • Treatment for parotid gland cancer
  • Relief from chronic infections and salivary stones
  • Preservation of facial nerve function
  • Minimally invasive options available
  • Improved quality of life
  • Clear diagnosis and treatment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the recovery time after parotidectomy?

Most patients recover within 2 to 4 weeks, with gradual improvement in swelling and facial movement after parotid gland removal.

When should I contact my healthcare provider after parotid surgery?

Contact your doctor if you experience severe pain, excessive swelling, fever, bleeding, or facial weakness beyond the expected recovery period.

Will my incision leave a visible scar after parotidectomy?

The incision is usually placed discreetly in front of the ear, and scarring fades over time with proper care.

What are normal symptoms after parotidectomy?

Mild pain, numbness, swelling, and slight facial weakness can occur but generally improve within weeks.

When can I eat normally after parotidectomy?

You can resume a normal diet once you feel comfortable, usually within a day or two post-surgery.

When can I return to work following parotid gland removal?

Most patients return to work within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the type of parotidectomy and the nature of their job.

When is it safe to exercise after parotidectomy?

Light exercise can often resume after 2 weeks, but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks.

What is the cost of parotidectomy treatment in India?

The cost of parotidectomy surgery in India ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹1,00,000 but varies based on various factors. These factors include the hospital, location, room type, and any complications encountered during or after the parotidectomy procedure.

Is parotidectomy covered by insurance?

Most health insurance plans cover parotid surgery when medically necessary; our team can assist you with the insurance process.

How long does the parotidectomy procedure usually take?

Parotidectomy surgery generally lasts 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity and type of gland removal.

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Medically Reviewed By
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Dr. Richa Mina
20 Years Experience Overall
Last Updated : June 14, 2025

Types of Parotidectomy

Extracapsular dissection

It is performed for benign tumors that are not pleomorphic adenoma. The surgeon uses a facial nerve monitor to identify the facial nerve and the tumor is removed from the top.

Partial/superficial parotidectomy

During the surgery, the tumor is resected with a cuff of parotid tissue, while preserving the facial nerve. It is generally performed for benign parotid lesions and lymph node metastasis into the superficial lobe.

Total parotidectomy

The entire parotid gland is removed during total parotidectomy while identifying and preserving the facial nerve for aggressive malignant tumors, deep parotid lobe tumors, lymph node excision in the deep lobe, vascular malformations, or in large tumors where the distinction between superficial and deep lobes is unclear.

Radical parotidectomy

During a radical parotidectomy, the entire gland is removed and facial nerve damage is pre-established due to extensiveness of the tumor. Nerve grafting and facial reanimation procedures are performed simultaneously during the surgery.