Parotidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove part or all of the parotid gland, the largest salivary gland located in front of the ears. The surgery is commonly recommended to treat parotid gland tumours, salivary gland cancer, recurrent infections, cysts, or salivary duct blockages. At Pristyn Care, experienced ENT surgeons perform advanced parotidectomy procedures using modern surgical techniques and facial nerve monitoring to ensure safe treatment, faster recovery, and the best possible outcomes.
Parotidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove part or all of the ... Read More

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The parotid glands are the largest salivary glands in the body. You have two parotid glands, one on each side of the face, located just in front of the ears and extending toward the jawline.
These glands produce saliva, which helps:
Each parotid gland consists of two sections:
The superficial lobe lies above the facial nerve and accounts for most parotid gland tumours.
The deep lobe lies beneath the facial nerve and extends deeper into the tissues of the face and neck.
A major consideration during surgery is the facial nerve, which passes through the parotid gland and controls facial expressions such as smiling, blinking, and raising the eyebrows.
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A parotidectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove part or all of the parotid gland. The extent of gland removal depends on the type, size, and location of the disease affecting the gland.
Parotidectomy may be recommended to treat:
The primary goal of surgery is to remove the disease while preserving facial nerve function whenever possible.


Parotid gland surgery is often recommended when a lump or abnormal growth develops within the gland.
Most parotid gland tumours are non-cancerous. However, even benign tumours can continue to grow and may become difficult to remove if left untreated.
Common benign tumours include:
Cancerous parotid gland tumours require timely treatment to prevent local spread and improve outcomes.
Repeated infections or inflammation of the gland may require surgical intervention when conservative treatment fails.
Large stones or severe narrowing of the salivary ducts can cause persistent swelling, pain, and infection.
You should consult an ENT specialist if you experience:
Early diagnosis can help identify whether the condition is benign or malignant and allow timely treatment.
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The type of surgery depends on the disease location and extent.
Superficial parotidectomy involves removing only the outer portion of the parotid gland while preserving the deep lobe.
This procedure is commonly performed for:
Benefits include:
Total parotidectomy involves removal of both the superficial and deep lobes of the gland.
It may be recommended for:
Radical parotidectomy is performed in advanced cancers where the tumour has invaded nearby tissues or facial nerve structures.
In select cases, reconstruction procedures may be performed during the same operation.
Sialoendoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses a small endoscope inserted through the salivary duct.
It is commonly used for:
This technique preserves the gland and avoids large incisions.
A thorough evaluation helps determine the cause of the swelling and guides surgical planning.
Your surgeon will evaluate:
FNAC is often the first diagnostic test used to determine whether a tumour is benign or malignant.
Ultrasound helps evaluate:
CT imaging provides detailed information regarding tumour extent and nearby structures.
MRI is particularly useful for assessing deep lobe tumours and facial nerve involvement.
In selected cases, tissue sampling may be required for definitive diagnosis.
You may be a suitable candidate if you have:
The final treatment decision depends on imaging findings, biopsy results, and overall health.
Proper preparation can reduce surgical risks and support recovery.
Your surgeon may advise you to:
A pre-operative evaluation ensures you are fit to undergo general anaesthesia.
Parotidectomy is usually performed under general anaesthesia.
You will be fully asleep during the procedure.
Advanced nerve monitoring technology is used to help identify and protect the facial nerve throughout surgery.
The surgeon makes a carefully planned incision in front of the ear that extends around the earlobe and into the natural crease of the neck.
This placement helps minimize visible scarring.
The gland is carefully exposed while preserving important surrounding structures.
Depending on the condition, the surgeon performs:
A temporary surgical drain may be inserted to prevent fluid accumulation.
The incision is closed with sutures and dressed appropriately.
Most patients recover well following surgery.
Patients may experience:
The surgical drain is usually removed within 1–2 days.
Patients are encouraged to:
Most swelling gradually improves.
Many patients can return to routine activities within this period.
Most patients experience significant healing and can resume normal activities.
Parotidectomy is generally safe when performed by experienced ENT surgeons. However, every surgery carries some risks.
Potential complications include:
Parotidectomy offers several important benefits:
Most patients recover within 2 to 4 weeks, with gradual improvement in swelling and facial movement after parotid gland removal.
Contact your doctor if you experience severe pain, excessive swelling, fever, bleeding, or facial weakness beyond the expected recovery period.
The incision is usually placed discreetly in front of the ear, and scarring fades over time with proper care.
Mild pain, numbness, swelling, and slight facial weakness can occur but generally improve within weeks.
Frey’s syndrome is a condition in which sweating or flushing occurs on the cheek while eating due to changes in nerve healing after surgery.
No. Once removed, the parotid gland does not regenerate. However, the remaining salivary glands continue producing saliva.
You can resume a normal diet once you feel comfortable, usually within a day or two post-surgery.
Most patients return to work within 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the type of parotidectomy and the nature of their job.
Light exercise can often resume after 2 weeks, but strenuous activities should be avoided for at least 4 to 6 weeks.
Yes. While most parotid gland tumours are benign, some can be malignant. Proper evaluation is important for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
The cost of parotidectomy surgery in India ranges from ₹65,000 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.
Most health insurance plans cover parotid surgery when medically necessary; our team can assist you with the insurance process.
Parotidectomy surgery generally lasts 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity and type of gland removal.
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.