Intra-operative ultrasound-guided drainage of parotid abscess

Parotitis complicated by parotid abscess remains a potentially life-threatening problem. Conventional surgical treatment involves incising the parotid parenchyma in the direction of the facial nerve until the abscess is located and evacuated. Intra-operative ultrasound greatly assists in localizing the abscess and in ensuring its complete drainage. Expeditious and exact localization of the abscess reduces operative time. Equally importantly, ultrasound-assisted drainage reduces surgical dissection and the potential for facial nerve damage.