Salivary flow dynamics after parotid surgery: a preliminary report.
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.


METHODS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
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.
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Chaim Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel.
G
G
Chaushu
S
S
Dori
B A
BA
Sela
S
S
Taicher
J
J
Kronenberg
Y P
YP
Talmi
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000681:Amylases / Q000032:analysis; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010307:Parotid Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011188:Potassium / Q000032:analysis; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012016:Reference Values; D012463:Saliva / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000503:physiopathology*; D012964:Sodium / Q000032:analysis
D012964:Sodium; D000681:Amylases; D011188:Potassium