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Head and Neck Cancer

Left Tail Pleomorphic Parotid Tumor

09/10/2009

Question:

How long of a procedure is it and how well do diabetics recover?

Answer:

Typically, the removal of the parotid gland takes 2 to 2 1/2 hours. The main issue is the proximity of the facial nerve. This nerve provides the motor innervation (movement) to the ipsilateral (same side of face) face and needs to be identified and preserved. Recovery from surgery is fairly easy. There is often little pain, as the area of the surgery becomes numb. Infection rates are extremely low, and activity restrictions after surgery are minimal. In my experience, there is no difference in recovery of patients who are diabetic verses those who are not.

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Response by:

Case Western Reserve University Cheryl Koliha-Brandt, MSN, RN, CNS, CORLN
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Faculty Instructor
Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology
Ireland Cancer Center
University Hospitals
Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing
Case Western Reserve University
Cheryl  Koliha-Brandt, MSN, RN, CNS, CORLN

Case Western Reserve University Pierre Lavertu, MD, FRCS(C), FACS
Director and Professor
Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology
Ireland Cancer Center
University Hospitals
School of Medicine
Case Western Reserve University
Pierre  Lavertu, MD, FRCS(C), FACS