Salivary glands
Salivary gland surgery may involve any of the three major salivary glands: the parotid glands, the submandibular glands and the sublingual glands

What is parotidectomy & salivary gland surgery?

Parotidectomy and salivary gland surgery are both surgical procedures involving the salivary glands, however, with varying purposes:
  • Parotidectomy: a parotidectomy specifically refers to the surgical removal of part or all of the parotid gland. The parotid gland is the largest portion of the salivary glands and is located near the ears, and is often performed to remove tumours.
    Approximately 80% of parotid gland tumours are benign, but malignancies do occur and will require prompt intervention. Additionally, the procedure may be performed to treat chronic infections and to remove salivary gland stones that disrupt the flow of saliva.
  • Salivary Gland Surgery: Salivary gland surgery is a broader term that includes surgery on any of the three major salivary glands: the parotid glands, the submandibular glands and the sublingual glands. It may be performed to address conditions affecting any of these glands, such as tumours, lumps, blockages or chronic infections.

How does parotidectomy & salivary gland surgery work?

During both a parotidectomy and salivary gland surgery, the goal is to remove the affected part of the gland while protecting important surrounding tissue structures, particularly the nerves that control facial and oral functions.
Type Parotidectomy Salivary Gland Surgery
Areas involved 
  • The deep lobe
  • The superficial lobe
  • The parotid glands
  • The submandibular glands
  • The sublingual glands
Procedure 
  • Anaesthesia Prior to the surgery, you will be administered with general anaesthesia to minimise discomfort.
  • Incision Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, the incision is strategically made near the ear and into the upper neck to access the parotid gland while minimising visible scarring.
The surgeon will then carefully pull back the skin to expose the parotid gland.
  • Removal During a parotidectomy, the surgeon carefully removes either part or all of the parotid gland. Throughout the procedure, a facial nerve monitoring device will be used to reduce the risk of facial nerve damage.
  • Anaesthesia Prior to the procedure, you will be given general anaesthesia to minimise discomfort throughout the procedure.
  • Incision Once the anaesthesia has taken effect, the surgeon will make an incision based on the location of the gland. The surgeon will then carefully pull back the surrounding tissue to expose the affected gland and have a better visualisation to remove the abnormal growth or tumour.
  • Removal Depending on the size and type of obstruction, the surgeon may opt to remove:
  • Part of the gland, leaving as many healthy tissues intact as possible.
  • The entire gland if the condition is extensive or shows possibilities of becoming malignant.
Type of surgery 
  • A superficial parotidectomy: removing the outer lobe.
  • A total parotidectomy: removing both lobes.
  • Parotid gland surgery: near the ear and upper neck.
  • Submandibular gland surgery: under the jawline.
  • Sublingual gland surgery: under the tongue.
Additional information  In some cases, nearby lymph nodes may also be removed if cancer is suspected to have spread. After the tumour has been removed, the incision is sutured and a small drain will be placed to prevent fluid buildup. If the surgeon suspects that the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, the surgeon will proceed to remove them as well. Once the growth or tumour has been excised, the incision will be sutured with a small drain inserted to prevent fluid buildup.

What are the benefits of parotidectomy & salivary gland surgery?

A parotidectomy and salivary gland surgery offer several benefits, including:

  • Offering relief from blockages and chronic infections.
  • Preventing nerve damage.
  • Reducing the risk of malignant transformation (benign tumours becoming cancerous).
  • Reducing the risk of tumour metastasising. 
  • Removing benign or malignant tumours.
  • Addressing cosmetic concerns.
  • Improving quality of life.
Parotidectomy Singapore.
A parotidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the parotid gland, typically performed to treat tumours, chronic infections, or salivary gland stones.

What conditions can be treated with parotidectomy & salivary gland surgery?

Some of the conditions that can be treated with parotidectomy and salivary gland surgery include:

  • Benign parotid gland tumours: one of the most common benign tumours of the parotid gland is the pleomorphic adenoma.
  • Chronic infections: bacterial infections can infect the parotid and submandibular glands that do not respond to conservative treatments, such as oral antibiotics.
  • Malignant tumours: cancer such as, mucoepidermoid carcinoma or adenoid cystic carcinoma, can develop in the parotid or other salivary glands.
  • Salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis): sialolithiasis can obstruct the saliva flow, leading to pain and swelling, potentially infecting any of the major salivary glands.
salivary gland stones Singapore.
Doctors will perform a physical examination to determine the presence of tumours before proceeding with other diagnostic steps.

What can I expect from a parotidectomy & salivary gland surgery in Singapore?

Before your surgery:

At NC Tan Surgery, our parotidectomy and salivary gland surgery begins with a comprehensive consultation and diagnostic process. Our specialist will thoroughly review your medical history, perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests to accurately evaluate the size and location of the obstructions.

In the event our specialist suspects a tumour, a fine-needle aspiration biopsy may be conducted to determine whether it is benign or malignant. Once our specialist has obtained all the relevant information, it will facilitate our specialist in outlining a detailed and effective treatment plan.

On the day of your surgery:

On the day of the procedure, you will be administered general anaesthesia before our surgeon carefully removes the affected portion of your parotid or salivary gland. Although the surgical procedures are slightly invasive, rest assured, our surgeon  is equipped with the relevant skills and experience to perform the procedure with precision, aiming to minimise risks. A procedure generally takes about 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity and size of the gland being removed. 

After your surgery:

Following the procedure, you will be closely monitored to ensure proper recovery as well as the functionality of the facial nerve. Additionally, you will also receive detailed aftercare instructions, such as:

  • Proper wound care to ensure the treatment area remains dry and healing well.
  • Attend every follow-up visit to monitor how your wound is healing and to remove stitches.

While most patients are able to resume their daily routines within a few weeks, it is important to observe the proper aftercare to ensure the surgical site heals properly without any complications.

How many sessions are required for parotidectomy & salivary gland surgery?

Both parotidectomy and salivary gland surgery are typically one-time procedures. This is due to the fact that the procedures are comprehensive, effectively addressing the medical issue in a single operation. However, follow-up treatments, such as radiation therapy (for cancer patients), are necessary to ensure complete eradication of cancer cells.

If you, or your loved ones, have been diagnosed with a parotid gland tumour or are experiencing symptoms of salivary gland stones, contact us to schedule an appointment. Booking an appointment brings you one step closer to receiving expert evaluation and personalised treatment options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most patients can return to light work in about two weeks, depending on their recovery. Strenuous activities should be avoided for around 4 weeks.

While nerve monitoring minimises the risk of permanent damage, temporary facial weakness may occur after parotidectomy and usually resolves within a few months.

Incisions are made along natural skin creases or concealed near the ear or neck to reduce visible scarring. Over time, scars typically fade.

The surgery usually takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the complexity and size of the tumour or condition being treated.

General anaesthesia is administered during both parotidectomy and other salivary gland surgeries to ensure you are fully asleep and pain-free.

In a parotidectomy, the remaining salivary glands can generally compensate for saliva production. Extensive gland removal may lead to mouth dryness, which can be treated with medication and hydration.

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    Farrer Park Medical Centre

    1 Farrer Park Station Road
    #14-02 Connexion Singapore 217562

    Clinic Hours

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