Recovery and work ability after partial parotidectomy

Partial parotidectomy is the most common surgical approach to treat benign parotid tumours. Studies on recovery from parotidectomy are lacking.

To prospectively evaluate recovery and work ability after partial parotidectomy.

The study group comprised 80 patients who underwent surgery for benign parotid neoplasms. Patient-reported data were collected via the electronic Case Report Form database.

Pain and swelling were the most frequently reported symptoms preventing work ability. A week after surgery, pain and the need for pain medication decreased steadily and at that time point, 56% of patients were already able to work. The predisposing factors for a longer recovery comprised physically demanding work, low education level, and no possibility of remote work. A postoperative complication also prolonged recovery, although no major complications occurred.

Pain was mild thorough the recovery but tightening of the wound, numbness, and tingling last a relatively long time and may be regarded as pain. Over half of the patients were fully or partially able to work after one week. Thus, recovery and work ability are patient- and work-dependant. Remote work, patient counselling about common postoperative symptoms, and signing shorter sick leaves will encourage faster return to everyday life.