Quality of Life Following Surgical Treatment of Benign Parotid Disease

Abstract

To evaluate the quality of life after surgery for benign neoplastic disease of the parotid gland. Forty-nine patients who underwent surgery for benign parotid disease between January 2004 and December 2008 were included in this retrospective study. EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires were used to determine the quality of life. The variables of these questionnaires were compared with age, gender, educational status, histopathologic diagnosis and Frey syndrome. A statistically significant correlation was noted between the female gender and post-surgical pain, sleeplessness and the use of non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference between age and difficulties in moving the mouth (p < 0.001). Frey syndrome related to social functions, economical difficulties, speech defect, reduced sexuality, and nutritional parameters were found to be statistically significant (p < 0.001). Frey syndrome is the most common complication that affects the quality of life in patients who had parotidectomy due to a benign parotid disease. Therefore, all patients should be informed about Frey syndrome before parotidectomy.

Patient‘s perspective on long‐term complications after superficial parotidectomy for benign lesions: Prospective analysis of a 2‐year follow‐up

“…However, the interpretation of subjective data might not always be comparable between different nationalities. 9,11,15,16 Regarding the cosmetic aspects after parotidectomy, the appearance of the scar was weighed more important, than substance loss or facial palsy. More than 50% of patients considered the scar problem- Subjective perception of post-parotidectomy complications might be influenced by factors unrelated to surgery.…”

“…More than 50% of patients considered the scar problem- Subjective perception of post-parotidectomy complications might be influenced by factors unrelated to surgery. 11,16 Various colleagues observed that the global QOL after parotidectomy might be significantly different in female than in male patients, as in different age groups. 11 In our trial, the general aspect of anxiety significantly correlated to female gender.…”

“…11,16 Various colleagues observed that the global QOL after parotidectomy might be significantly different in female than in male patients, as in different age groups. 11 In our trial, the general aspect of anxiety significantly correlated to female gender. Generally, fear of revision surgery played an important role in our patients.…”

Temporoparietal frey syndrome: An uncommon variant of a common syndrome

“…Although many patients tolerate Frey syndrome without intervention, it can significantly impact patient quality of life in some instances . Treatments for Frey syndrome are anticholinergic in nature, taking advantage of the pathophysiologic mechanism of the condition.…”

“…8 Although many patients tolerate Frey syndrome without intervention, it can significantly impact patient quality of life in some instances. 9 Treatments for Frey syndrome are anticholinergic in nature, 10 taking advantage of the pathophysiologic mechanism of the condition. The process involves aberrant regeneration of incised postganglionic parasympathetic nerve fibers into cutaneous secretory and vasomotor sympathetic fibers.…”