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The impact of radical parotidectomy with immediate facial nerve reconstruction: a quality-of-life measure

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 July 2021

N Subramaniam ,
E Luu ,
R Asher ,
J Oates ,
J R Clark  and
T-H Low
N Subramaniam
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
E Luu
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
R Asher
Affiliation:
National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Australia
J Oates
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
J R Clark
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia Central Clinical School, Sydney University, Australia
T-H Low*
Affiliation:
Head and Neck Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, Australia
*
Author for correspondence: Dr Tsu-Hui (Hubert) Low, Department of Head and Neck Oncology, Chris O'Brien Lifehouse, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, 50 Missenden Rd, Camperdown NSW 2050, Australia Email: hubert.low@lh.org.au
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Abstract

Objective

Immediate facial nerve reconstruction is the standard of care following radical parotidectomy; however, quality of life comparisons with those undergoing limited superficial parotidectomy without facial nerve sacrifice is lacking.

Method

Patients who underwent parotidectomy were contacted to determine quality of life using the University of Washington Quality of Life and Parotidectomy Specific Quality of Life questionnaires. A total of 29 patients (15 in the radical parotidectomy and 14 in the limited superficial parotidectomy groups) completed and returned questionnaires.

Results

Using the University of Washington Quality of Life Questionnaire, similar quality of life was noted in both groups, with the radical parotidectomy group having significantly worse speech and taste scores. Using the Parotidectomy Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire, the radical parotidectomy group reported significantly worse speech, eye symptoms and eating issues.

Conclusion

Those undergoing radical parotidectomy with reconstruction had comparable overall quality of life with the limited superficial parotidectomy group. The Parotidectomy Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire better identified subtle quality of life complaints. Eye and oral symptoms remain problematic, necessitating better rehabilitation and more focused reconstructive efforts.

Keywords

ParotidectomyFacial NerveFacial ParalysisQuality Of LifeParotid Neoplasm

Information

Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 135 , Issue 9 , September 2021 , pp. 804 - 809
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2021. Published by Cambridge University Press

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Footnotes

Dr T-H Low takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper

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