'Minor' morbidity after parotid surgery via the modified Blair incision.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the 'minor' morbidities subjectively experienced by the patient after parotid surgery; these include scar cosmesis and pain, 'contour' deformity following removal of parotid bulk, numbness of the pinna and gustatory sweating.

DESIGN

Retrospective study

SETTING

Tertiary Referral Centre.

PATIENTS: 28 patients were included in the study.

RESULTS

Contour deformity, scarring and paraesthesia of the pinna secondary to great auricular nerve sacrifice are the most noticeable sequelae following parotidectomy.

DISCUSSION: Although facial nerve injury is the most serious morbidity following parotidectomy, it is relatively uncommon. Other 'minor' morbidities are more likely to cause post-operative problems. Despite there being a number of different approaches to the parotidectomy, with or without reconstruction, these have not been satisfactorily compared.