Parotidectomy

Parotidectomy is the surgical removal of the parotid gland, the largest of the salivary glands, located just in front of the ear. This surgery is usually performed to remove a tumor, which may be benign or malignant. The procedure involves making an incision in front of the ear and removing all or part of the gland. One of the risks of parotidectomy is potential injury to the facial nerve, which runs through the gland and controls facial movement. Recovery typically includes a hospital stay of one or two days, with most patients resuming normal activities after several weeks.