Parotidectomy Cost in Germany

The cost of parotidectomy in Germany typically ranges from $2,500 to $22,000 USD, depending on the hospital, city, and type of procedure.

Parotidectomy removes part or all of the parotid gland, the largest salivary gland, which sits in front of the ear. It is usually done to remove a lump. In Germany, the total depends on:

• Extent of surgery: superficial (part) or total parotidectomy.
• Nature of the lump: most are benign.
• Nerve monitoring: to protect the facial nerve.
• Hospital stay: usually 36 to 48 hours.

Gloucestershire Hospitals explains that most parotid lumps are benign but can keep growing and rarely become cancerous, so early removal is often advised.

Part or all of the gland is removed under general anaesthetic through a cut in front of the ear that runs into the neck.

A drain is usually placed, and most people stay in hospital for 36 to 48 hours. Temporary weakness of the face can last for weeks, while permanent weakness is rare for benign lumps.

Numbness of the face and ear is common. Other possible effects include bleeding, saliva collecting under the skin and Frey's syndrome, where the cheek sweats when eating.

International patients are usually treated in Germany as self-paying patients: the hospital reviews the medical reports, sends a cost estimate and asks for an advance payment before admission, then settles the final bill after discharge.

Inpatient hospital care in Germany is billed under the German DRG system, which depends on the main diagnosis, other diagnoses and the procedures carried out, so the final amount is known only after the stay.

German missions ask applicants for a medical treatment visa for a letter from the treating hospital, a cost estimate and proof of an advance payment of at least 50% of the treatment cost.