Salivary flow dynamics after parotid surgery: A preliminary report

Gavriel Chaushu, Shay Dori, Ben Ami Sela, Shlomo Taicher, Jona Kronenberg, Yoav P. Talmi*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

38 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tumors in the parotid gland may affect salivary flow. The effects of tumor on glandular function and postoperative changes in both resected gland and contralateral gland were not formerly reported. We prospectively evaluated salivary flow rates and composition in patients undergoing parotidectomy preoperatively and postoperatively. METHOD: Stimulated parotid saliva from 17 patients undergoing parotidectomy was collected bilaterally preoperatively and postoperatively by using a parotid cup. Subjective complaints were recorded. Salivary flow rates, sodium, potassium, and amylase levels were evaluated. RESULTS: None of the patients complained of "dry mouth" before or after surgery. Analysis of the individual results revealed 3 patterns of preoperative and postoperative response, compatible with either a preoperative or postoperative compensatory mechanism in the contralateral gland. The postoperative decrease in flow rate corresponds with the amount of gland removed. Salivary electrolyte composition was unchanged. CONCLUSION: This study is the first to demonstrate the effects of parotid tumors and their surgery on salivary flow and a compensatory response and its different patterns in human parotid glands after their excision.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)270-273
Number of pages4
JournalOtolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Volume124
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2001
Externally publishedYes

Funding

FundersFunder number
Chaim Sheba Medical Center
Institute of Chemical Pathology
American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery

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