Long-term effects of parotidectomy

The present study investigated the long-term complications of parotidectomy, the differences in these complications in regard to the pathological diagnosis and type of surgery. The patients were questioned regarding the presence of facial paresis–paralysis, pain, loss of sensation, scarring, collapse, and mouth dryness in the area of operation. Complaints of pain (p = 0.287), scarring (p = 0.456), and mouth dryness (p = 0.136) did not show statistically significant differences between the cases with benign or malignant pathological outcomes. However, complaints of loss of sensation (p < 0.001), collapse in the area of operation (p = 0.025), paresis-paralysis (p < 0.001), and fear of repeated surgery (p = 0.032) were present at significantly higher rates. Complaints of pain (p = 0.258), scarring (p = 0.665), mouth dryness (p = 0.113) and fear of repeated surgery (p = 0.053) did not show statistically significant differences between the cases who underwent superficial or total parotidectomy. However, complaints of loss of sensation (p = 0.002), paresis (p < 0.001), and collapse in the area of operation (p = 0.019) were present at significantly higher rates. The type of tumor and surgical approach significantly affect the quality of life; however, parotidectomy generally does not lead to serious long-term complications that would disturb the patients.