Parotidektomija – Removal of parotid glands

Description parotidektomiya

Parotidektomija – surgical removal of all or part of the parotid gland, generating saliva. The salivary glands are located on the jaw, front and below each ear.

Causes of parotidektomiya

The operation is aimed at:

• Removal of tumors in the salivary glands;
• Removal of lymph nodes with cancer (cancer);
• Treatment of recurrent infections in the salivary gland.

Possible complications parotidektomiya

If you plan to parotidektomiya, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Numbness of the face and ear;
• Nerve Damage, which controls the movement of facial muscles;
• Drainage of saliva – after surgery saliva can accumulate in the upper part of the neck. Also it can flow through the cut sutures after surgery. This is a temporary phenomenon;
• Frey syndrome – there, when salivary nerve fibers grow into the sweat glands. During the meal, some people may notice sweating on the side of the face, where the operation was performed;
• CVIS – abnormal connection, which may arise between the mouth, nose, throat and skin;
• Infection;
• Bleeding;
• Scarring;
• Swelling of the airways.

The presence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease may increase the risk heart attack stroke or during or after surgery. Risk factors include:

• High blood pressure;
• Advanced age;
• Smoking;
• Diabetes.

We need to discuss these risks with your doctor before the procedure.

How is the removal of the salivary glands?

Preparing for parotidektomiya

Before the surgery, the doctor may prescribe, or to hold the next:

• Conduct a medical examination and the study of medical history;
• Order blood tests and X-rays;
• Tell your doctor about taking any medications. A week before surgery you may be asked to stop taking certain drugs:
  • Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, Ibuprofen, naproxen);
  • Blood-thinning drugs, such as warfarin;
  • Antiplatelet drugs, such as clopidogrel.

We need to organize a trip for the operation and back home from the hospital.

Anesthesia

When removing the salivary gland is used general anesthesia, which blocks the pain and the patient support in a sleep state during operation. Is inserted through an intravenous catheter in the arm or hand.

Procedure parotidektomiya

The doctor makes an incision in the front of the ear down, to the neck. It finds and removes toward nerves in the treated area during surgery. There are two types parotidektomiya. The method used will depend on the cause of the operation.

If a tumor, located above the facial nerve, It will be made surface parotidektomiya. The tumor and affected tissue can usually be safely removed without affecting the nerves.

If the tumor surrounds and is below the facial nerve, performed total parotidektomiya. The tumor is removed, the affected tissue and part of the nerves.

After, all the abnormal tissue will be removed, the doctor will close the area of ​​surgery sutures. Placed behind the ear drainage tube. It will be used to remove accumulated liquids (Blood and saliva) of the surgical wound.

How long will parotidektomiya?

• Surface parotidektomiya – 3-4 o'clock;
• Total parotidektomiya – five hours.

Parotidektomija – Will it hurt?

Anesthesia prevents pain during surgery. Pain or soreness during recovery are removed with the help of painkillers.

The average time of stay in the hospital after parotidektomiya

The procedure is performed in a hospital. Usually stay is one day. Your doctor may prolong hospitalization, if there were complications.

Caring for a patient after removal of the salivary glands

Care in a hospital

After the operation you will be directed to the recovery room. The hospital staff will monitor your condition. Hospital staff:

• Check the operation of the facial muscles, I am asking you to smile or grimaced;
• Educate, how to care for drainage, because it should remain for some time after discharge from the hospital.

Home Care

After returning home, follow these steps:, to ensure the normal recovery:

• Keep the incision clean:
  • Use of hydrogen peroxide and a cotton swab, to clear the area around the wound. Do this twice a day;
  • Treat the area with an antibiotic ointment operation;
• Follow the instructions for the care of the drainage tube. It, usually, It will be removed within 2-4 days;
• You may also need to return to hospital after 4-6 days to remove sutures. When the stitches are removed, Clean the area of ​​operations mild soap and water;
• Ask the doctor, when it is safe to shower, bath or expose the surgical site to water;
• Be sure to follow all instructions from your doctor.

Contact your doctor after removal of the salivary glands

After discharge from the hospital need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Redness, edema, increased pain, excessive bleeding, or discharge from the incision;
• Nausea and / or vomiting, which does not pass upon receiving prescribed drugs;
• Pain, which does not pass after taking pain medication appointed;
• Cough, shortness of breath or chest pain;
• Saliva or vomiting blood;
• Other painful symptoms.