Long-term outcomes and quality of life following parotidectomy for benign disease

Abstract

SUMMARY Objective Parotidectomy worsens quality of life (QoL) in the short-term, but the long-term impact is unknown. In this study, we analysed the long-term effects of parotidectomy on QoL. Methods In this prospective long-term follow-up study, participants were divided into three groups: short-term (ST) follow-up of six weeks, long-term (LT) follow-up of 13 years and short- and long-term (SLT) follow-up. QoL was assessed using the Parotidectomy Outcome Inventory (POI-8). Parotidectomies were classified based on whether the great auricular nerve (GAN) had been preserved or sacrificed. Results In total, 164 observations were analysed, 74 in the LT group, 57 in the ST group and 33 in the SLT group. Hypoaesthesia was a major problem and facial palsy was a minor problem. Pain (p < 0.01) and hypoaesthesia (p < 0.001) were significantly lower after 13 years compared with after six weeks, and QoL was higher after 13 years compared with after six weeks (p = 0.04). The disease-specific impairment rate decreased from 70% at short-term follow-up to 30% at long-term follow-up. Removal of the GAN was associated with hypoaesthesia in the ST group (p = 0.028). Conclusions Hypoaesthesia has a long-term impact on the QoL, and this should be emphasised during preoperative discussions.

Maxillofacial complications after parotidectomy: a systematic review

“…In addition, studies have investigated long-term outcomes and quality of life after parotidectomy for benign diseases, with an emphasis on maxillofacial complications and their long-term prevalence. Given the importance of these complications and their influence on patients' health and well-being, there is a growing need to better understand their incidence, risk factors and prevention and management strategies (Plath et al, 2022).…”