What are the parotid glands?
The major salivary glands, the glands that generate and empty saliva into the mouth, are three pairs: the submandibular glands, the sublingual salivary glands and the parotid glands.
It is estimated that more than 70% of such tumors in the parotid glands are benign (non-cancerous).
What is parotid gland surgery and why is it performed?
Parotid gland surgery, also known as parotidectomy, is the operation to remove tumors growing in the parotid gland. It is estimated that more than 70% of such tumors are benign (non-cancerous), but any lump detected should be analyzed. Depending on the type of tumor, its size and location, different variants of this procedure are performed. The most common are superficial parotidectomy or total parotidectomy, with preservation of the facial nerve, which also involves a ganglionic emptying.
What other pathologies can the salivary glands present?
The salivary glands can also present other pathologies, the most common of which are:
- Sialolithiasis, which is the obstruction of the salivary glands due to the presence of calcium stones that do not allow saliva to flow out and cause inflammation of the affected salivary gland.
- Sialadenitis, which is the infection of the salivary glands, which can be an effect of sialolithiasis, or be caused by a virus or bacteria.
Are there any sequelae after surgery?
The parotid gland is a soft gland, not very palpable under normal conditions, but it occupies the space posterior to the vertical branch of the jaw. When the parotid gland is removed, there is a hollow area between the mandible and the sternocleidomastoid muscle that can be quite evident.
To avoid this, once the gland is removed, we reconstruct the defect with a SMAS flap, which consists of plugging the remaining gap by tightening the fascia covering the parotid and platysma muscle of the neck.
This technique can be used in all cases, except in patients with malignant tumors, where it must be ensured that its use does not jeopardize the radicality of the oncologic resection.
In addition, the classic incision used leaves a visible scar on the neck. There is another type of incision, more aesthetic, which is hidden behind the ear, inside the hair, and which is practically invisible after a few months.