Procedure:
Removal of the parotid gland (a salivary gland)
through a cut in front of the ear and upper
neck.
Risks of this procedure:
There are some risks/ complications, which
include:
(a) The facial nerve which gives facial
expression may be damaged, and develop
paralysis of the muscles on the side of the
operation. This is usually temporary but
may be permanent in 1 in 100 people.
(b) Numbness of part of the ear which may be
temporary but usually permanent.
(c) Depression at the site of the removed
parotid.
(d) The scar may be obvious and occasionally
it may thicken and be discoloured or
painful.
(e) A feeling of heat and have a sweatiness
around the ear. This may be temporary or
permanent.
(f) Rarely in about 1 in 100 people a
discharge of salivary fluid may occur from
the scar. This will settle in time.
(g) The lump may recur and may need further
surgery.
(h) Increased risk in obese people of wound
infection, chest infection, heart and lung
complications and thrombosis.
(i) Increased risk in smokers of wound and
chest infections, heart and lung
complications and thrombosis.