Postoperative Parotitis

Clinical features:

(1) onset of parotid gland swelling one or more days after surgery, often unilateral

(2) fever

(3) purulent discharge at the parotid papilla

(4) CT scan changes consistent with inflammation

Risk factors may include:

(1) dehydration

(2) surgical positioning (sitting, lateral decubitus, head tilt, etc)

(3) immunocompromised status

(4) stones in Stensen's duct

(5) diabetes

(6) morphine or other medications

(7) malnutrition

Differential diagnosis:

(1) postoperative pneumoparotid

(2) parotitis associated with noninvasive mask ventilation