Authors' Response

We would like to thank Mr Majumdar for his interest in our paper and re-assure him that permission to utilise parotidectomies performed by the maxillofacial department was sought at a joint ENT/maxillofacial audit meeting. Two consultant maxillofacial surgeons representing the department were present, both were supportive of the proposed study and neither raised any objections. We would also like to emphasise the excellent co-operation and communication that exists between the two surgical departments at the Luton and Dunstable Hospital, highlighted by joint monthly audit meetings and weekly head and neck MDT meetings. We appreciate Mr Majumdar's constructive criticism and will consider his contribution should a repeat prospective study be conducted.