Submandibular Gland Excision

Surgical Treatment of Submandibular Gland Diseases

The submandibular gland is one of the major salivary glands and is located beneath the lower jaw. It produces a significant portion of daily saliva and plays an important role in digestion and oral health.

Submandibular gland excision is performed when the gland is affected by chronic disease, recurrent infections, salivary stones that cannot be treated conservatively, or tumors. The primary goal is to remove the diseased gland safely while preserving the surrounding nerves and maintaining normal function.

When Is Surgery Recommended?

Submandibular gland excision may be recommended for:

  • Chronic recurrent sialadenitis
  • Large salivary stones (sialolithiasis)
  • Salivary duct obstruction
  • Benign salivary gland tumors
  • Suspicious or malignant tumors
  • Recurrent infections despite medical treatment
  • Selected congenital or cystic lesions

Whenever appropriate, conservative treatment or minimally invasive procedures are considered before recommending gland removal.

Preoperative Evaluation

Before surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive evaluation that may include:

  • Clinical examination
  • Ultrasound
  • CT or MRI when indicated
  • Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) for suspicious masses
  • Salivary gland imaging when necessary

This assessment helps determine the most appropriate treatment plan.

Surgical Procedure

The operation is performed through a carefully planned incision placed in a natural skin crease beneath the jaw whenever possible.

During surgery, particular attention is given to preserving important anatomical structures, including:

  • Marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve
  • Lingual nerve
  • Hypoglossal nerve
  • Adjacent blood vessels and soft tissues

The diseased gland is removed while minimizing trauma to surrounding structures.

Possible Risks

Although submandibular gland surgery is generally safe, potential risks include:

  • Temporary weakness of the lower lip
  • Numbness of the tongue
  • Altered tongue sensation
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Salivary collection
  • Scar formation
  • Rare permanent nerve injury

The likelihood of complications depends on the underlying disease, previous infections or surgery, and individual anatomy.

How Are Risks Reduced?

Modern surgical techniques help reduce complications by:

  • Careful preoperative imaging
  • Detailed anatomical planning
  • Gentle tissue handling
  • Precise nerve identification
  • Careful bleeding control
  • Meticulous wound closure
  • Structured postoperative follow-up

While complications cannot be eliminated completely, meticulous surgical technique significantly contributes to patient safety.

Recovery

Most patients return home within a short period after surgery.

Recovery usually includes:

  • Mild swelling
  • Temporary discomfort
  • Gradual return to normal diet
  • Routine follow-up visits
  • Histopathological examination of the removed gland

Most patients resume normal daily activities within a relatively short time.

Individualized Treatment

Every patient requires an individualized treatment strategy. Surgical planning is based on:

  • Clinical findings
  • Imaging studies
  • Pathology when available
  • General health
  • Patient expectations

The aim is complete disease management while preserving nerve function and maintaining quality of life.

Bu Sayfayı Tek Tuşla Paylaşabilirsiniz