ePoster
Talk Description
Institution: Tweed Valley Hospital - NSW, Australia
Parotidectomy is a common Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery procedure, with temporary or permanent facial nerve palsy (FNP) a recognised complication. Injury to the temporal or zygomatic branches can cause paralytic lagophthalmos, leading to corneal exposure and potential vision loss. Despite this risk, no Australian guidelines exist for postoperative eye care, and delays have been noted at our institution.
A retrospective audit was conducted of all parotidectomies performed by OHNS at The Tweed Hospital and Tweed Valley Hospital between January 2015 and July 2025. Cases were identified through the Cerner eMR system. Data collected included demographics, pathology, postoperative facial nerve function (House-Brackmann grading), presence of lagophthalmos, and timing and documentation of prescribed eye care.
Eighty-seven parotidectomies were identified (median age 62 years; 63% male). Common pathologies were pleomorphic adenoma (37.9%), Warthin tumour (23%), and squamous cell carcinoma (20.7%). Postoperatively, 23 patients (26.4%) had reduced facial nerve function, and 10 (11.5%) developed FNP grade ≥ III requiring eye protection. Only 3 (43%) received lubricating drops within six hours of prescription, and 57% experienced delays beyond six hours. Overnight eye taping was performed the same day in 43%, with variable technique and documentation.
Rates of FNP and lagophthalmos were consistent with published data; however, delayed and inconsistent eye care was common. Implementation of a standardised eye-care protocol and staff education are recommended to improve patient safety. Further research is needed to establish evidence-based eye-care regimens and validated eye taping techniques.
Presenters
Authors
Authors
Dr Lachlan Jackson - , Dr John O'Neill -
