Early post-operative morbidity after superficial parotidectomy: a prospective study concerning pain and resumption of normal activity.

The degree of pain and time to return to work following superficial parotidectomy has not previously been reported. Pain is measured by use of visual analogue scale and the use of analgesics is registered 14 days after superficial parotidectomy. Results showed that pain is generally weak after superficial parotidectomy and can be treated with mild analgesics. Pain is considerably lower than, e.g. after tonsillectomy. Median number of days until total recovery was 12 days (range: 3-70), and median time to return to work was 16 days (range: 3-70). We recommend 2 weeks recreation period after superficial parotidectomy.