Superficial parotidectomy for chronic parotid sialadenitis

Chronic sialadenitis (CS) of the parotid gland is an insidious inflammatory disorder which tends to progress and may lead to the formation of a fibrous mass. This is a review of the author's experience of superficial parotidectomy (SP) with duct ligation for non-specific CS of the parotid gland not responding to conservative management. 21 patients (11 females; 10 males) with intractable non specific CS underwent SP with duct ligation. The mean duration of symptoms was 1.93 years (SD 0.48). Fine needle aspiration cytology and magnetic resonance imaging were carried out prior to SP to rule out benign or malignant tumours. The mean duration of observation was 1.71 years (SD 0.39). Six patients (28.57%) developed temporary facial nerve palsy. Three (14.28%) patients developed Frey's syndrome. Paresthesia of the ear lobe was found in all cases. One case (4.76%) each of sialocoele and hypertrophic scar was found. There was complete resolution of symptoms in all the cases. The histopathological report confirmed three cases (14.28%) of mild CS and 18 cases (85.72%) of CS of greater degree. SP along with ligation of the duct is a safe and effective treatment for non-specific CS of the parotid gland.