The effects of residual parotid volume on symptom-specific quality of life and complications in patients undergoing parotid surgery.

PURPOSE

To measure postoperative residual parotid volumes in parotidectomy patients and to measure the effect of residual parotid volumes on the symptom-specific quality of life (SSQOL) and complications.

METHODS

Between January 2010 and December 2016, 148 parotid gland surgeries were performed, and 74 patients were included in the study. Bilateral parotid gland volumes were measured by Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Parotidectomy Outcome Inventory-8 and aesthetic scale questionnaire were applied to the patients. The volumetric averages obtained were compared with the questions in the SSQOL scale, the aesthetic scale data, and complications.

RESULTS

In the volumetric examination performed with MRI, the mean residual volumes of the operated parotid glands were 9.5 cm, while the non-operated side was 28.8 cm. The width of the surgery and the residual parotid tissue volume was inversely correlated. There was a statistically significant difference between the residual parotid gland volume and the pain related to the surgical area, depression in the surgical site, Frey's syndrome, incision scar, and numbness. As the residual parotid gland volumes decreased, the patients' cosmetic problems related to the surgical field increased significantly, and their SSQOL decreased.

CONCLUSION

Postoperative residual parotid tissue volume could be an objective parameter to measure patients' SSQOL and complications. After parotidectomy, the maximum amount of disease-free tissue of the parotid gland should be left in place to increase patients' quality of life and minimize complications.