The four major complications of parotid surgery
Nov 27, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Lei
Introduction
There is no such term as "the four major complications of parotid surgery." Complications of parotid surgery may include facial nerve injury, salivary fistula, infection and bleeding, auriculotemporal syndrome, and gustatory sweating syndrome. Improper surgical technique or postoperative care may increase the risk. If persistent swelling, abnormal bleeding, or facial dysfunction occurs after surgery, prompt medical attention is recommended.
There is no such term as "the four major complications of parotid surgery." Complications associated with parotid surgery include facial nerve injury, salivary fistula, infection and bleeding, auriculotemporal syndrome, and gustatory sweating syndrome. Improper surgical technique or postoperative care may increase the risk. If persistent swelling, abnormal bleeding, or facial dysfunction occurs after surgery, prompt medical attention is recommended.
1. Facial nerve injury: During surgery, traction or damage to branches of the facial nerve may lead to facial numbness, drooping of the mouth corner, difficulty closing the eyes, etc. This often results from tumor invasion or complex anatomy. Mild injuries may gradually recover over time.
2. Salivary fistula: Damage to or poor healing of the parotid duct causes leakage of saliva, manifesting as moistness or fluid discharge around the incision site, which worsens during eating. Treatment typically involves compression dressing and medication to promote healing.
3. Infection and bleeding: Inadequate wound care or incomplete hemostasis after surgery may cause local redness, swelling, pain, and oozing blood. Severe cases may develop hematomas, requiring timely intervention to prevent the spread of infection.
4. Auriculotemporal syndrome: After surgery, misdirected regeneration of nerves that innervate sweat glands and the parotid gland leads to sweating and redness of the skin in the surgical area during eating. This usually appears within several months postoperatively and can affect quality of life.
5. Gustatory sweating syndrome: Similar in mechanism to auriculotemporal syndrome, it presents as sweating and a burning sensation on the operated side of the face in response to taste stimuli. Although not life-threatening, it can cause discomfort and should be prevented proactively.
After surgery, keep the incision clean and dry, avoid strenuous activities and excessive facial movement or stretching, follow a liquid or semi-liquid diet, minimize intake of spicy, irritating, and acidic foods, and apply compression dressing as directed by your doctor to promote wound healing and reduce complications.
