Parotid hypertrophy with bulimia: a report of surgical management

Abstract

Benign hypertrophy of the salivary glands can occur in patients with anorexia nervosa. This enlargement has been related to nutritional deficiencies and bulimia, which is a form of episodic binge eating followed by vomiting. The surgical management of a patient with bulimia and benign bilateral parotid enlargement secondary to bulimia will be discussed. Superficial parotidectomy may be a useful adjunct in managing the cosmetic and psychological aspects of patients with anorexia nervosa and bulimia complicated by massive parotid hypertrophy intractable to medical management.