The Parotid Surgery involves the removal of Parotid Gland. A Parotid Gland is a major salivary gland in human. The two Parotid glands are present on either side of the mouth and in front of both ears. They are the largest of the salivary glands. Parotid gland secretes serous saliva to facilitate chewing and swallowing.

The procedure of Parotid surgery is known as Parotidectomy which mainly involves the removal of benign or malignant tumor present in the Parotid gland. The majority of the Parotid gland tumors are benign. Dr Amit Chakraborty is a very skillful, well known and capable cancer surgeon. He has performed lots of complicated Head, Neck and Throat cancer surgeries successfully.

Major types of Parotid Surgery

Cancer surgeon decides the most effective type of Parotid surgery as per the location of tumor, type of tumor and severity of tumor present in the parotid gland. Major types of parotid surgery include:

1. Superficial Parotidectomy:

This is the most common type of parotid surgery. It involves removing the entire gland superficial to the facial nerve whereas a partial superficial parotidectomy involves removing only the portion of the gland surrounding a tumor or mass. In a partial superficial parotidectomy, only some branches of the facial nerve are dissected while in a formal superficial parotidectomy, the entire cervicofacial and temporofacial divisions are dissected.

2. Total Parotidectomy:

This involves the removal of the entire parotid gland, including the superficial and deep lobe. Total Parotidectomy typically performed if neoplasm is affecting deep part of parotid gland. This method can be done by using the transcervical surgical approach.

Preparation for Parotid Surgery

• Before the staring of Parotid surgery procedure, Cancer Surgeon discusses with the patient in detail. Doctors inform patient everything about surgery type, its risk, recovery period and post surgery precautions.
• Doctor confirms patient’s health conditions such as heart rate, blood pressure and mental stability before actual starting of procedure.
• Patient should eat or drink as per the doctor’s advice only.
• Every patient should inform doctor if he/she is suffering from fever, productive cough or any other signs of infection.
• Doctor gives medical clearance after the accurate evaluation of body and then patient is given general anesthesia before the surgery.
• On the day of surgery, patient should come at hospital a few hours before the scheduled operation. This helps the nurses and anesthesiologist to confirm everything is in good order for the successful surgery.

Procedure of Parotid surgery

• During the surgery procedure, patient is under general anesthesia.
• A Parotidectomy is done via an incision just in front of the ear in a natural skin crease that extends down into a natural skin crease in the neck. This allows surgeon to hide the scar as much as possible rather than making an incision directly in the middle of the face.
• When the tumor is in the deep lobe of the parotid gland then doctor makes incision in the neck.
• At the end of the procedure, surgeon places a small drain temporarily coming out of the skin to drain any fluid or blood that collects in the surgical area.
• After the successful surgery, patient is kept under observation for 1-2 days. Based on the progress of patient, doctor allows patient to go home.
• Doctor prescribes necessary medicines for faster recovery and to relive pain.
• It is very important for a patient to take medicine properly and follow doctor’s instruction strictly.

The recovery time is depending on the extent and type of procedure. Patient should immediately consult doctor in case of any persistent side effects.