Tympanic neurectomy and chronic parotitis.

The preoperative findings and operative outcome were evaluated in 49 patients who underwent tympanic neurectomy to treat chronic parotitis. Forty-two patients had chronic non-suppurative parotitis and 7 patients had chronic suppurative parotitis. The main symptoms prior to operation were recurrent swelling and pain of the parotid gland. After operation, 40 patients (82%) had relief of their symptoms (28 patients were totally free of symptoms and 12 patients were markedly improved). In 9 patients (18%) the symptoms remained the same. Three patients (6%) had a tympanic membrane perforation due to the operation.