Complications of parotid surgery: the need for selectivity.

The morbidity rate following 112 operations on the parotid gland is reported. Facial nerve palsy (temporary, 38 per cent; permanent, 9 per cent) and Frey's syndrome (11 per cent) were common following superficial parotidectomy. For pleomorphic adenoma and malignant lesions this procedure is justified. Benign conditions, which can be diagnosed preoperatively, should be treated by more limited surgery which has a lower complication rate.