Perioperative Complications after Parotidectomy Using a Standardized Grading Scale Classification System

Perioperative complications after parotidectomy are poorly studied and have a potential impact on hospitalization stay. The Clavien–Dindo classification of postoperative complications used in visceral surgery allows a recording of all complications, including a grading scale related to the severity of complication. The cohort analyzed for perioperative complications is composed of 436 parotidectomies classified into three types, four groups, and three classes, depending on extent of parotid resection, inclusion of additional procedures, and pathology, respectively. Using the Clavien–Dindo classification, complications were reported in 77% of the interventions. In 438 complications, 430 (98.2%) were classified as minor (332 grade I and 98 grade II), and 8 (1.8%) were classified as major (grade III). Independent variables affecting the risk of perioperative complications were duration of surgery (odds ratio = 1.007, p-value = 0.029) and extent of parotidectomy (odds ratio = 4.043, p-value = 0.007). Total/subtotal parotidectomy was associated with an increased risk of grade II-III complications (odds ratio = 2.866 (95% CI: 1.307–6.283), p-value = 0.009). Median hospital stay increased moderately in patients with complications. Use of Clavien–Dindo classification shows that parotidectomy is followed by a higher rate of perioperative complications than usually reported. Almost all complications are minor and have limited consequence on hospital stay.