1. Nursing Instruction
  2. Overview
  3. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
【Major Points】
  1. Parotidectomy is a surgical procedure used to remove tumors from the parotid gland.
  2. Post-surgery, patients should adhere to a cold, liquid diet for the first three days. Soft diet can be introduced gradually from the third day to two weeks after the surgery.
  3. To minimize saliva production from the parotid glands, patients should avoid sour, spicy, or other irritating foods.

What is a parotidectomy?
A parotidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove tumors from the parotid gland.

Why is a parotidectomy necessary?
A parotidectomy is performed to improve the facial appearance in patients with benign or malignant parotid gland tumors, to prevent compression of the facial nerves, and to reduce the risk of tumor malignancy.

What should be prepared before surgery?
  1. Skin preparation: Wash your hair the day before the surgery. During the procedure, the surgeon may remove some hair behind the ears depending on the surgical site.
  2. General anesthesia: Patients must refrain from eating or drinking (except for blood pressure medication) after midnight on the night before the surgery.
  3. Anticoagulant medication: Patients taking anticoagulant drugs should inform their surgeon and discontinue use two weeks prior to the surgery to prevent excessive bleeding.

What should patients pay attention to after the surgery?
  1. Following the surgery, a large amount of gauze will cover the wound, and a mesh will be used to secure the gauze and apply pressure to stop bleeding. If the gauze feels too tight and makes breathing difficult, patients should inform the medical and nursing staff immediately
  2. Keep the wound dry and clean. It would be applied with iodine and anti-inflammatory ointment, then covered with fresh gauze. If the wound causes significant pain, patients should notify the nursing staff to address the issue. Painkillers will be administered if necessary.
  3. A drainage tube will be placed after surgery. Patients should avoid bending or pulling the tube while moving to ensure it remains clear. The tube will be removed based on the surgeon’s evaluation.
  4. For the first three days post-surgery, patients should maintain a cold, liquid diet. From the third day to two weeks after surgery, soft diet can be introduced. To minimize saliva production from the parotid glands, avoid sour, spicy, or irritating foods. After two weeks, patients can resume a normal diet according to the surgeon’s guidance.
  5. After discharge, patients should attend follow-up appointments at the plastic surgery clinic for suture removal and evaluation. If any abnormalities occur, such as unexplained swelling, inflammation, sudden facial asymmetry, unusual numbness, or changes in sensation, patients should return to the hospital immediately.

References
  1. Hung, W. C., Chuang, C.Y., Su, M.C., & Lee, S.Y.(2023). Trans-oral 3D endoscopic-assisted approach for removal of parapharyngeal pleomorphic adenoma. The Journal of Taiwan Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, 58(1), 47-51. https://doi.org/10.6286/jtohns.202303_58(1).047
  2. Lee, C. C. (2021). Parotid gland tumor resection surgery notes. Taiwan Medical Journal, 64(2), 75-78.
  3. Lin, Y. T., Wu, S. H., & Chen, S. C. (2022). Carcinoma ex pleomorphic adenoma- a case report and literature review. Clinical Medicine, 90(4), 661-665. https://doi.org/10.6666/ClinMed.202210_90(4).0106
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    Taipei Veterans General Hospital 
    No.201, Sec. 2, Shipai Rd., Beitou District,  3e72dadb9904d06fa0fb3744e4ed2612.png
    Taipei, Taiwan 11217, R.O.C.
    Tel: +886-2-2871-2121 #04
    • Smoking and chewing betel nut significantly induce oral cancer. Obesity will potentially increase the risk of breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Please control body weight and keep away from tobacco and betel nut.
    • Information provided above can’t overcome physician's treatment and replace physician patient relationship.
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