How is parotidectomy performed?
A traditional parotidectomy is performed through a Modified Blair Incision. During the procedure, an incision several inches in length is made extending from the top of the ear down toward the jaw. From there, the surgeon is able to visualize the entire side of the face, including the parotid gland and facial nerve.
How long does a total parotidectomy take?
What does the operation involve? The parotid gland is removed under a general anaesthetic (you are asleep during the operation). The procedure will take approximately 1 to 2 hours. It involves a cut immediately in front of the ear and extending to the upper part of the neck.
How do you prepare for a parotidectomy?
Before your surgery: Arrange a ride home. Ask a family member or friend to drive you home after your surgery or procedure. Do not drive yourself home. Ask your healthcare provider if you need to stop using aspirin or any other prescribed or over-the-counter medicine before your procedure or surgery.
What is total conservative parotidectomy?
Total conservative parotidectomy is a valuable approach for removing parotid tumors. The rate of complications after this procedure (facial nerve dysfunction and recurrence) is low provided that the technique was performed with meticulous care.
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.
What is adequate parotidectomy?
Abstract BASIS – Adequate parotidectomy incorporates facial nerve identification tumor dissection and removal with a surrounding healthy rim of parotid parenchyma and is emerging as standard of care for management of parotid neoplasms.
What is radical parotidectomy?
Radical parotidectomy involves removal of all parotid tissue as well as sacrifice of the FN. This is done in cases where the FN has been invaded by tumor or if preoperative FN function was impaired in the presence of malignant disease.
How long is recovery for parotidectomy?
While most patients recover completely within 3-4 months, others may take as long as one year.
What is a total parotidectomy?
Surgery to remove a tumor in the deep lobe — or in both the deep and superficial lobes — is called a total parotidectomy. The two lobes are separated by the facial nerve. Treating parotid gland tumors requires great precision on the part of your surgical team because the facial nerve is nearby.
How is parotid gland surgery performed?
During surgery, two different areas of the parotid gland are identified: the superficial lobe and the deep lobe. Superficial parotidectomy removes just the superficial lobe, while total parotidectomy removes both lobes. The patient is first placed under general anesthesia to ensure that no pain is experienced and that all muscles remain relaxed.
How is parotid mass removed from the face?
In essence, the surgeon directly removes the parotid mass while first testing the area for the presence of the facial nerve. The key to success is dissecting millimeters at a time hugging the parotid mass while ensuring no facial nerve is present in those millimeters that are cut.
What happens during a parotid tumor surgery?
If the tumor has spread to involve the facial nerve, the operation is expanded to include parts of the bone behind the ear (mastoid) to remove as much tumor as possible. Before the incision is closed, a drain is inserted into the area to collect any leaking saliva, if a superficial parotidectomy was performed.