Parotidectomy

Parotidectomy

Parotidectomy is an inpatient surgery to remove part or all of the parotid salivary gland, typically to treat tumours while preserving the facial nerve.
Speak with the GMS CARE TEAM

Key Information

A parotidectomy is an inpatient surgical procedure requiring an overnight hospital stay, performed under general anaesthesia (taking approximately 60 minutes to remove part or all of the parotid gland—the largest of the salivary glands located in front of and below the ear.
The procedure is primarily used to treat benign or malignant tumours, though it can also address chronic infections, persistent swelling, or salivary stones that do not respond to less invasive care.
A critical aspect of this surgery is the careful identification and preservation of the facial nerve, which runs directly through the parotid gland and controls all facial muscle movements.
Depending on the extent of the disease, surgeons perform either a superficial parotidectomy (partial removal) or a total parotidectomy (full removal); nearby lymph nodes may also be cleared if cancer is present.
While most patients return to routine daily activities within one week, possible complications include temporary facial weakness, permanent nerve injury (uncommon), numbness, or Frey's syndrome (sweating/flushing near the surgical site while eating).

About Parotidectomy

A parotidectomy is a surgical procedure performed to remove part or all of the parotid gland, the largest of the salivary glands located in front of and below the ear. The parotid glands produce saliva, which helps with chewing, swallowing and digestion.

Parotidectomy is most commonly performed to treat benign or malignant tumours of the parotid gland. It may also be recommended for certain chronic infections, recurrent salivary gland inflammation or salivary gland stones that cannot be managed with less invasive treatments.

A key aspect of parotid surgery is the careful identification and preservation of the facial nerve, which passes through the gland and controls movement of the facial muscles.

Operating Time: Approximately 60 minutes
Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia
Setting: Inpatient (overnight stay)

A parotidectomy may be recommended for patients with:

  • Benign parotid gland tumours
  • Suspected or confirmed salivary gland cancer
  • Recurrent parotid gland infections
  • Chronic inflammation of the parotid gland
  • Salivary gland stones causing persistent symptoms
  • Enlarging masses within the parotid gland
  • Facial swelling related to parotid gland disease

Prior to surgery, imaging studies and, in many cases, a fine needle aspiration biopsy may be performed to help establish a diagnosis and guide treatment planning.

The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.

A carefully planned incision is made in front of the ear and extended into a natural skin crease in the neck. This approach allows excellent access to the parotid gland while helping to minimise visible scarring.

During surgery, the facial nerve and its branches are carefully identified and protected. Depending on the location and nature of the disease, either part of the gland (superficial parotidectomy) or the entire gland (total parotidectomy) may be removed.

If cancer is present, nearby lymph nodes may also need to be removed as part of treatment.

At the end of the procedure, the incision is closed and a temporary surgical drain may be placed to prevent fluid accumulation during the early stages of healing.

Most patients remain in hospital overnight for observation before returning home.

Potential benefits of parotidectomy include:

  • Removal of benign or malignant tumours
  • Relief from recurrent salivary gland infections
  • Resolution of symptoms caused by salivary gland stones
  • Prevention of disease progression
  • Accurate diagnosis through laboratory analysis
  • Improved comfort and quality of life

For many patients, surgery provides definitive treatment of parotid gland disease.

Parotidectomy is a well-established procedure, but all surgery carries potential risks.

Possible complications include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Fluid collection beneath the skin (seroma)
  • Haematoma (collection of blood)
  • Numbness around the ear, cheek or jaw
  • Temporary facial weakness
  • Permanent facial nerve injury (uncommon)
  • Salivary leakage from the surgical site
  • Scar formation

Some patients may develop a condition known as Frey’s syndrome, where sweating or flushing occurs over the surgical area while eating. This can usually be managed if symptoms develop.

Your surgeon will discuss any specific risks relevant to your individual circumstances before surgery.

Most patients experience mild to moderate discomfort, swelling and bruising during the first few weeks after surgery.

Following discharge, patients are generally advised to:

  • Keep the surgical site clean and dry
  • Follow wound care instructions carefully
  • Avoid strenuous activity for several weeks
  • Attend scheduled follow-up appointments
  • Monitor the surgical area for signs of infection

A surgical drain, is typically removed within a few days of surgery.

Most patients return to routine daily activities within one week, although complete resolution of swelling and numbness may take several weeks.

If surgery is performed for cancer, additional treatment or long-term follow-up may be required.

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Increasing swelling around the surgical site
  • Persistent bleeding
  • Fever or signs of infection
  • Sudden facial weakness
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Severe pain not controlled with medication
  • Any unexpected or concerning symptoms during recovery

Early assessment can help identify and manage any complications and support a smooth recovery.

Speak with the GMS CARE TEAM

Doctors performing Parotidectomy

All procedures at GMS Cyprus are performed by internationally recognized surgeons from Israel, the EU, and the US. Each selected for their exceptional qualifications, surgical expertise, and commitment to patient care.

Our doctors are leaders in their fields, with extensive experience in advanced techniques and consistently high success rates. They work closely with our medical board and patient support team to ensure each treatment is safe, effective, and tailored to the individual.

The GMS Cyprus Promise

We are committed to providing every patient with access to world-class surgeons, personalized care, and unwavering support throughout their medical journey.

We carefully select our surgeons based on international standards, clinical excellence, and patient outcomes. We believe that medical travel should be stress-free, transparent, and guided by people who genuinely care. Our promise is to treat you with dignity, protect your privacy, and give you peace of mind every step of the way.

How it works

Step 1
Submit a consultation request
Fill out a short form and let us know your medical concern. A coordinator will contact you within 48 hours.
Step 2
Share Your Medical History
Send your relevant documents (scans, reports, etc.). We’ll help you prepare them and handle translation if needed.
Step 3
Receive your medical proposal
Receive a detailed proposal, including surgeon profile, recommended treatment, estimated costs, and recovery plan.
Speak with the GMS CARE TEAM

Testimonials

Ilanit Boker

Ilanit Boker

I happily recommend the services of the GMS team. I needed a unique procedure which is not performed in Israel and I turned to them. 

Over a telephone conversation with GMS representative Roy, I felt caring attention and confidence that he would help in everything. He accompanied us throughout the entire process, before the flight and even after. 

In addition to Roy, we would like to sincerely thank Oriya, our allocated Israeli speaking patient coordinator of the company in Cyprus. 

Even before our departure, Oriya was in touch with us helping with any issues and made sure that we arrived fully prepared – taking into account the smallest details; even to the point of finding out our food preferences, and despite the late hour of our arrival at the hotel, she ensured an exquisite meal was waiting for us in the room. Oriya greeted us upon arrival and truly made us feel like we were her personal guests. She accompanied us throughout the entire day of the operation – attentively, with endless care and continued patience.

I felt like I had a good friend with me in the hospital. This kind of treatment doesn’t happen very often… At the end of the day we parted, hugging each other, and Oriya gave recommendations on where to go and what to do in the time remaining before returning home.

I just don’t have enough words to thank GMS and Oriya for everything. I can only recommend with a reassurance that those who need it should use their services.

Almog Brand

Almog Brand

When I was looking for information about palm surgery, I found many recommendations about Dr. Amir Oron. After a consultation with Dr. Amir, I was surprised to learn that my health insurance does not guarantee that he will be the surgeon to perform the procedure.

That is when I contacted GMS, who explained how I could have the surgery performed by the physician of my choice – which gave me peace of mind. It is very important for me to share my experience, as the service I received through GMS exceeded any similar experience in Israel: From the beginning I was assigned a GMS representative from Israel, who explained in detail what my experience would be and answered all my questions about the operation and the treatment process. (Thanks, Roy!)

All I had to do was fill out the application form. GMS representatives took care of everything themselves!

They contacted the insurance company on my behalf and even had them check the status of the application until the financial commitment for the surgery was received. We agreed with on the surgical date, booked the flights at a convenient time for me, and also dealt with the hotel reservation. The GMS staff even reviewed the menu and took any dietary restrictions into consideration on my behalf.

We were picked up from the airport in Larnaca, Cyprus where we met the wonderful Oria, who accompanied us throughout the entire visit and took care of every detail; from registration to preparation for the operation.

This is essentially a VIP service that made the entire experience relaxed and stress-free.
The assigned coordinators continued caring after my return to Israel. They were interested in my recuperation post-operatively and also ensured all financial matters were dealt with; all this, by the way, without any commissions or payouts on my part, but directly with my insurance.
In a word – an amazing experience!
In short – I recommend it!

Thank to GMS, thank you Roy, thank you Uriah and thank you Dr. Oron.

Nirit Shortz-Raphael

Nirit Shortz-Raphael

I do not even know where to start!!
Overall, the service exceeded all my expectations!

Roy – thank you for your patience, quick responses (minutes!), availability, caring and clear explanations! You are inimitable! Oriya – you are amazing! Thank you for every smile, hug, help, guidance, explanation… really! You are simply amazing!

Every time I was asked by friends and family about the surgery, I immediately started talking about your amazing service! I felt warmth and love, and everyone who was with me felt the same!
We never stop talking about you, and really, only good things!

You have entered our hearts!
Thank you very much for everything! I hope to see you in the future, under different circumstances.

Nadav Ben-Ezer

Nadav Ben-Ezer

When one thinks of “Medical Operation” overseas, the last thing that comes to mind is a “Great Experience”, but this is exactly what I have experienced, going through a prostate removal procedure via GMS Cyprus. With their professional and compassionate approach, the GMS Cyprus team provides to the confused and worried patient a complete transparent VIP envelop, which takes care of all the logistics involved in “Medical Tourism” for the patient and their escort, as well as assembling a world class international medical team and medical facilities suitable to treat the medical diagnosis at hand.

From the first time the medical situation was diagnosed, and the first contact was made, the GMS team was there to remove the hassle and understand my concerns and worries about the medical issue and being far from home, and they handled every detail of the logistics of travel, insurance company requirements and medical preparations. From first arrival at the luxurious hotel, assigned to the first night and for my personal escort, the GMS management, Udi and Clair, has treated me as family away from home and personally came to greet me and attend firsthand to all my needs and requests. To top it all, they assigned their own personal escort, the wonderful Aia, which was available 24/7 and door to door to handle any need and detail and helped interface with the local hospital team.

I want also to recommend the choice of the hospital at Limassol, which is modern and clean, and of course GMS team have in advance reserved a private and spacious room and nominated a local doctor, which was familiar with my case and participated in the treatment and which came often to check my condition and parameters.

To summarize, I would not go so far as to wish such treatment to anybody, but if you must go through the medical procedure, the VIP treatment provided by GMS is a legitimate alternative, combining easy logistics, professional medical treatment by your own doctor, modern hospital, relaxed overseas experience and personal compassionate escorting to ease and sweeten the experience.

Dorit

Speak with GMS Cyprus care team - Medical Tourism in Cyprus

speak with us

Do you have any questions? Contact our team, they will answers all of your questions and will connect you with the top-level surgeons and medical care.

Google reCaptcha: Invalid site key.