Clinical outcome after surgery for 75 patients with parotid sialadenitis

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the clinical outcome of patients treated surgically for chronic parotid sialadenitis.

Study design: A retrospective cohort study of patients whose clinicopathologic information had been collected prospectively onto a dedicated head and neck database.

Methods: Between 1987 and 2006, a total of 75 patients had 78 parotidectomies, 17 superficial and 61 near-total, to treat chronic parotid sialadenitis. The clinicopathologic data including treatment morbidity and outcome were analyzed.

Results: Temporary postoperative facial weakness occurred in 26 (33%) patients, and this was permanent, although partial, in one (1%) patient. There was no significant difference (P > .05) in the incidence of temporary facial nerve neuropraxia in the superficial (35%) and near-total parotidectomy (33%) groups. Recurrence of symptoms was noted in two patients who had undergone near-total parotidectomy and none of the patients who had undergone superficial parotidectomy. Chronic parotid sialadenitis was effectively treated in 97% of patients undergoing parotidectomy.

Conclusion: Near-total parotidectomy is a safe and efficacious surgical treatment in the management of patients with debilitating severe chronic parotid sialadenitis.