Parotidectomy

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maximum cost
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Things you need to know

1.What is Parotidectomy ​?
2.Why do you need it?
3.Why cost vary in philippines?
4.Surgery cost range by city
5.Surgery Procedure
6.Recovery
7.Risk and complications
8.FAQ
9.Conclusion

What is Parotidectomy ?

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Why do you need Parotidectomy?

Parotidectomy is indicated for:

  • Parotid tumors:
    • Benign: Pleomorphic adenoma (most common, 70–80% of cases), Warthin’s tumor.
    • Malignant: Mucoepidermoid carcinoma, adenoid cystic carcinoma (10–20% of cases).
    • Symptoms: Painless lump in front of the ear, facial asymmetry.
  • Chronic infections:
    • Recurrent parotitis: Persistent infections not responding to antibiotics.
  • Salivary stones (sialolithiasis):
    • Stones causing obstruction, swelling, or infection (if not removable via minimally invasive methods).
  • Types:
    • Superficial parotidectomy: Removes the outer part of the gland (most common).
    • Total parotidectomy: Removes the entire gland (for malignancy or extensive disease).
    • Partial parotidectomy: Removes only the tumor with a margin of healthy tissue.

The procedure aims to remove the diseased gland or tumor, prevent recurrence, and preserve facial nerve function to maintain facial movement and symmetry.

Why Do Parotidectomy Costs Vary in Philippines?

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Parotidectomy Procedure

  • Before Surgery Evaluation:
    • Diagnosis:
      • Fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy: Determines tumor type (benign vs. malignant).
      • Ultrasound/CT/MRI: Assesses tumor size, location, and relation to facial nerve.
      • Blood tests: Blood sugar, clotting profile.
    • Facial nerve assessment: Checks for pre-existing facial weakness.
    • Consent: Risks, including facial nerve injury, are explained.
  • Surgical Techniques:
    • Parotidectomy:
      • Performed under general anesthesia, lasting 2–4 hours.
      • Incision: S-shaped or modified Blair incision (in front of and behind the ear, 6–8 cm).
      • Facial nerve dissection:
        • Facial nerve identified and preserved using a nerve monitor.
        • Nerve branches carefully dissected to avoid injury (runs through the gland).
      • Gland removal:
        • Superficial parotidectomy: Removes the superficial lobe (lateral to the nerve).
        • Total parotidectomy: Removes both superficial and deep lobes (for malignancy).
      • Tumor excised with a margin of healthy tissue to prevent recurrence.
      • Drain: A small drain is placed to prevent fluid buildup (removed in 1–3 days).
      • Incision closed with sutures; a dressing is applied.
    • Intraoperative Tools:
      • Facial nerve monitor: Detects nerve activity to prevent injury.
      • Harmonic scalpel: Minimizes bleeding.
      • Microscope: Enhances precision during nerve dissection.
  • After Surgery:
    • Hospital stay: 2–4 days.
    • Care: Keep incision dry; drain care until removed (1–3 days).
    • Pain management: Mild to moderate pain for 3–7 days; managed with acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
    • Instructions: Avoid heavy lifting for 2–3 weeks; facial exercises if nerve weakness occurs.

Recovery After Parotidectomy

  1. Hospital Stay: 2–4 days.
  2. Post-Surgery Care:
    • Pain/Swelling: Mild to moderate pain at incision site for 3–7 days; swelling resolves in 2–3 weeks.
    • Drain: Removed in 1–3 days once fluid output is minimal.
    • Facial function: Temporary weakness common (20–40%); resolves in 1–3 months for most; permanent weakness rare (2–5%).
    • Activity: Rest for 3–5 days; avoid strenuous activity for 2–3 weeks.
    • Incision care: Keep dry for 7–10 days; sutures removed at 1 week.
    • Diet: Normal diet unless swallowing affected (rare); chew on opposite side for 1–2 weeks.
  3. Follow-Up:
    • Visits at 1 week (suture/drain removal), 1 month, and 3 months.
    • Pathology report: Confirms tumor type and margins (1–2 weeks post-op).
    • Facial nerve assessment: At 1 month if weakness persists.

Most resume normal activities in 1–2 weeks; full recovery takes 4–6 weeks. Success rate: 90–95% achieve tumor removal without recurrence (benign tumors); malignancy outcomes vary (5-year survival 50–80% depending on stage).

Risks and Complications

  • Surgical Risks:
    • Facial nerve injury (2–5% permanent): Weakness or paralysis of facial muscles; temporary weakness (20–40%) resolves in weeks.
    • Bleeding (1–3%): Hematoma at surgical site; may need drainage.
    • Infection (2–5%): Wound infection; treated with antibiotics.
  • Post-Surgery:
    • Frey’s syndrome (10–20%): Sweating/flushing on cheek while eating (due to nerve crossover); managed with Botox if severe.
    • Salivary fistula (2–5%): Saliva leakage from incision; usually resolves spontaneously.
    • Numbness (5–10%): Around ear due to nerve sacrifice (great auricular nerve); improves over months.
    • Recurrence (5–10%): Pleomorphic adenoma may recur if not fully excised; malignancy recurrence depends on stage.
  • Long-Term:
    • Cosmetic deformity (2–5%): Hollowing at surgical site; may need fillers or flap reconstruction.
    • Dry mouth (1–3%): If significant gland removal; usually mild.

Report facial weakness, fever, swelling, or saliva leakage promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What causes parotid gland issues?

Tumors (benign or malignant), chronic infections, or salivary stones; risk factors include radiation exposure or smoking (for malignancy).

Can I avoid parotidectomy?

Yes, for small stones: Sialendoscopy or conservative management; surgery is for tumors or persistent infections.

Is parotidectomy painful?

Mild to moderate pain for 3–7 days, managed with medication; discomfort reduces in 1–2 weeks.

How soon can I resume activities?

Normal activities: 1–2 weeks; full recovery: 4–6 weeks; avoid heavy lifting for 2–3 weeks.

Is parotidectomy covered by insurance in India?

Yes, for medical necessity; confirm with your provider.

Signs of complications?

Facial weakness, fever, swelling, or saliva leakage.

Will I have facial paralysis after surgery?

Temporary weakness common (20–40%), resolves in 1–3 months; permanent paralysis rare (2–5%).

Lifestyle changes post-surgery?

Avoid chewing on surgical side initially, facial exercises if weakness occurs, and attend follow-ups for recurrence checks.

Conclusion

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Looking for Best Hospitals for Parotidectomy

Note: we are not promoting any hospitals

We do not promote any hospitals. All details are sourced from Google and hospital websites. Please verify independently. Start with your surgery—here’s the list of government, budget, and superspecialty hospitals accredited by the Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), and Joint Commission International (JCI)

  • click on your city and schedule your surgery now done in good hands.
City Minimum Price (₱) Maximum Price (₱)
Angeles City
Antipolo
Bacolod
Bacoor
Baguio
Butuan
Cagayan de Oro
Caloocan
Cebu City
Dasmariñas
Davao City
General Santos
General Trias
Iligan
Iloilo City
Las Piñas
Makati
Malolos
Manila
Muntinlupa
Parañaque
Pasay
Pasig
Puerto Princesa
Quezon City
San Fernando
San Jose del Monte
Taguig
Valenzuela
Zamboanga City

Disclaimer

This information is sourced from open platforms and is for general awareness only. Costs may vary based on individual cases. Please consult a qualified doctor for medical advice and explore options within your budget before deciding on the procedure.

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