Parotid gland Surgery – a Surgeon’s show of Finesse

Parotidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove all or part of the parotid gland, which is a salivary gland located in front of the ear. This procedure is required when tumors arise in this gland. The tumors may be benign or malignant. 

One of the critical aspects of parotidectomy is preserving the integrity of the facial nerve, which traverses through the gland and controls facial movements. While traversing through the parotid gland, the facial nerve divides into 5 branches, supplying various muscles of the face. These branches are responsible for controlling the muscles of facial expression, and any damage to this nerve during parotidectomy can lead to paralysis of these muscles, which in turn leads to severe functional and cosmetic consequences. Facial paralysis may be temporary or permanent and partial or complete. 

Preservation of the facial nerve requires meticulous surgical technique and an in-depth understanding of the complex anatomy of the parotid gland. It is a delicate job to balance between cancer removal and protection of the facial nerve. Choosing an expert surgeon with specialized knowledge, skill, and experience significantly improves the chances of successful facial nerve preservation and overall surgical outcomes. It is essential for patients to seek consultation from a qualified professional who can provide personalized care and ensure the best possible results for this delicate surgery.

Dr. Karthik Chandra (surgical oncologist) from Visakhapatnam is an expert in parotid surgeries (both cancers and non-cancerous tumors), having performed a large number of function-preserving parotidectomies. He takes great care to identify and protect the facial nerve and its branches during the surgical procedure to ensure optimal outcomes.

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