Clinical outcome after surgery for 75 patients with parotid sialadenitis

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.