Etiology
An inflammatory process inside the parotid gland, with or without the formation of an abscess , may be due to an obstruction of Stensen’s duct due to inflammation , esophageal foreign bodies , especially salivary stones, direct spread of an infection of neighboring structures, especially of the facial spaces of the neck , or as a complication of abdominal or pelvic operations .
Symptoms
The symptoms of an abscess of the parotid gland are [[pain], tenderness and swelling of the gland , especially after meals. There are signs and symptoms of varying degrees of sepsis , as well as the formation of any abscess.
Treatment
Treatment consists of adequate hydration , administration of antibiotics or sulfonamides, hot and humid compresses, suberithema doses of X-rays in the affected region, high doses of a solution composed of iodine and gentle catheterization of the Stensen duct. If definite signs of suppuration are observed and the above measures fail, the abscess should be incised and drained.
Surgical technique
An incision is made that begins at the level of the zygoma and extends downward along the ramus of the maxilla to the angle, and then continues forward for a 2 to 3 cm stretch along the lower border. The skin and subcutaneous tissues are separated forward , revealing the outer surface of the parotid gland . For adequate drainage, numerous incisions must be made in the gland compartments.