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Salivary flow dynamics after parotid surgery: a preliminary report
1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
Summary
Parotid gland tumors and surgery can alter salivary flow, but the contralateral gland often compensates. This study reveals distinct patterns of salivary response following parotidectomy.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Oncology
- Oral Medicine
Background:
- Parotid gland tumors can impact salivary function.
- The effects of parotid tumors and parotidectomy on salivary flow and gland compensation were previously unreported.
- This study prospectively examines salivary changes after parotidectomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of parotid tumors and parotidectomy on salivary flow rates and composition.
- To investigate compensatory mechanisms in the contralateral parotid gland following surgery.
- To identify patterns of salivary response pre- and post-parotidectomy.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 17 patients undergoing parotidectomy.
- Collection of stimulated parotid saliva bilaterally using a parotid cup.
- Analysis of salivary flow rates, sodium, potassium, and amylase levels, along with subjective complaints.
Main Results:
- No patients reported dry mouth pre- or post-surgery.
- Observed three distinct patterns of preoperative and postoperative salivary response.
- Postoperative flow rate reduction correlated with the amount of parotid gland resected.
- Salivary electrolyte composition remained unchanged.
Conclusions:
- This is the first study to demonstrate the effects of parotid tumors and surgery on salivary flow.
- Evidence of compensatory responses in the contralateral parotid gland was observed.
- Different patterns of compensatory mechanisms exist in human parotid glands after excision.