One hundred and eight parotidectomies performed by a single consultant were reviewed. Eighty-five patients had primary parotid disease, 23 patients had extra-parotid primaries. Pleomorphic adenoma was the most common histological diagnosis. In patients with primary parotid disease, a post-operative temporary facial nerve palsy was noted in 15 patients, with a further four developing a permanent palsy. Patients with metastatic disease to the parotid had a poor prognosis.