Outcomes and symptom-specific quality of life after microscopic parotidectomy: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Assess the post-operative complications of microscopic parotidectomy and its impact on quality of life. METHODS: Thirty patients were included in this prospective study. Three to six months post-surgery, patients underwent assessments for Frey's syndrome by Minor test, aesthesiometer test, facial nerve function and Quality of Life questionnaire. RESULTS: Frey's syndrome symptom positive in none, Minor test positive in 50 per cent. The preservation rate of the great auricular nerve posterior branch was 90 per cent, but it had no significant impact on the aesthesiometer test. Transient and permanent facial paresis were observed in 13.3 per cent and 3.3 per cent, and salivary fistula in 3.3 per cent. In quality of life, the rating of general health as good/better was seen in 73.3 per cent, nil/minimal pain in 93.3 per cent, bothersome change of facial contour in none, and dry mouth in 23.3 per cent. CONCLUSION: Microscopic parotidectomy achieves good surgical outcomes regarding Frey's syndrome symptoms, greater auricular nerve preservation, facial paresis, salivary fistula and quality of life.