Removing a submandibular gland Treatment

What is submandibular gland?

The submandibular gland is a salivary gland that is about the size of a plum that lies just below the lower jaw of the mouth. Saliva drains from submandibular gland through a tube that opens on the inside of the mouth under the tongue just behind the lower front teeth. The most common reason for the removal of the submandibular gland is due to the infection that occurs if the tubes that drain saliva become blocked due to some problem. Blockages generally arise as a result of the stones.

Transoral Submandibular Gland Excision

Transoral submandibular gland excision is a technique of submandibular gland resection through an intraoral approach without an external neck incision. This approach is said to be relatively new, but can compare favorably to the old technique when it comes to aesthetics and healing.

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What are the benefits of the removal of the Submandibular Gland?

The procedure takes away symptoms of pain, swelling and any unpleasant taste in the mouth, and can help in finding out the cause of an enlarged gland.

Need for the Excision of Submandibular Gland

For each of the following reasons, a submandibular gland excision, the procedure of removal of the submandibular gland, may be advised. Here are some common indications:

• Chronic or Recurrent Infections
• Salivary Stones
• Tumors
• Autoimmune Conditions
• Obstructive Cysts

Symptoms leading to Excision of Submandibular Gland

This condition may result from long-standing symptoms, infective processes, obstruction or tumour within the submandibular salivary gland. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent Swelling Under the Jaw
• Pain and Tenderness
• Dry Mouth or Reduced Saliva Flow
• Difficulty Swallowing
• Pus or Foul Tasting Discharge in the Mouth
• Recurrent Infections or Sialadenitis
• Visible or Palpable Lump
• Changes in the Shape or Size of the Gland
• Fever or Malaise

What are the risks involved?

Bleeding: Bleeding from the wound is generally not a problem. If the bleeding occurs it generally happens within the first 12 hours of the procedure, because of this reason an overnight stay in hospital is arranged. Some Staining and oozing of the patient’s clothes or the pillow at night should be expected for at least a days after the surgery.

Pain: The wound is unlikely to get sore, but painkillers will be provided to the patients and will be provided to the patients both before and after discharge.

Swelling of the upper part of the neck is not generally significant- it generally gets worse 2 days after the procedure but should be resolved within a few weeks.

Infection: Infection is very unusual and when the infection occurs, it normally develops 2 to 5 days after the operation. The patients will receive some antibiotics during surgery, but the surgeon may also prescribe the patients a short course of antibiotics to take them home.

Scar: All incisions made through the skin leave a scar, but the majority of the scar fades with the time and are quite difficult to view when they are fully healed. It may take several months for the scar to fade away, but as the time progress, the scars should be able to blend into the natural folds of the neck.

Nerve damage: Nerve Damage is also possible. There are three nerves that lie close to the submandibular gland and can be damaged during its removal. Most nerve damage occurs as a result of bruising of the nerves while they are held out of the way and protected during surgery. If nerve damage occurs it is usually temporary, although it can take several months for nerves to recover.

Permanent damage is possible and generally occurs in only the most difficult cases. Depending on the nerve that is damaged you may experience:

• The weakness of the lower lip, leading to a slightly crooked smile. This is uncommon and may occur as a result of damage to the lower branch of the facial nerve.
• Numbness or a tingly feeling of the tongue. This is rare and occurs if the lingual nerve, which supplies sensation to the tongue, is bruised.
• Decreased movement of the tongue. This may happen due to very rare damage of the hypoglossal nerve.

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Causes leading to Sublingual Gland Excision

In certain circumstances the submandibular gland may be removed because some conditions may alter its function or gives off health threats. Key causes leading to the surgical removal of this gland include:

• Salivary Stones
• Chronic Sialadenitis (Inflammation of the Salivary Glands)
• Tumors (Benign or Malignant)
• Obstructive Cysts or Mucoceles
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Trauma or Injury
• Developmental or Structural Abnormalities
• Infectious Diseases

Facilities and Services offered for International Patients for Sublingual Gland Excision

As for Submandibular gland removal surgery for the abroad patient seeking medical healthcare services within the country’s consenting hospital and medical centres they are always willing to avail specialized service, care and proper support to the patient in undergoing the operation. Typical facilities and services include:

• Comprehensive Pre-Arrival Assistance
• Translation and Interpretation Services
• Comfortable Accommodation Options
• Specialized Medical Services
• Postoperative Care and Rehabilitation
• Follow-up and Remote Care
• Travel and Transport Assistance

Before the Surgery:

Pre-assessment Clinic: The patients will be asked to attend an appointment at this clinic. The nursing and/or medical staff will go through some important checks and make sure all relevant investigations have been completed well in advance of the operation date.

Admission: The anaesthetist will see the patients and explain the anaesthetic and will answer any concerns the patients might have about this or about pain relief after the surgery. The surgeon will explain the details of the surgery and discuss the possible complications.

Diagnostic Tests for Submandibular Gland Excision Surgery

A variety of diagnostic tests are usually done prior to submandibular gland removal, in order to establish the cause of the symptoms, the state of the gland and preparation for surgery. Here are the main diagnostic tests:

• Physical Examination
• Ultrasound
• Sialography
• MRI
• CT Scan
• Fine Needle Aspiration
• Blood Tests
• Salivary Gland Scintigraphy
• Endoscopic Examination

Procedure for the removal of the Submandibular Gland

• The submandibular gland is usually removed when patients are put under a general anaesthetic, i.e. the patients are put to sleep completely. 
• The procedure involves an incision around 5 cm long (two inches) in the upper part of the neck just below the jawline of the patients. 
• Once the submandibular gland has been removed the cut is held together again with the help of the stitches. 
• These generally need to be removed around a week after the procedure. 
• At the end of the surgery, a small tube is also being placed through the skin into the underlying wound for draining any blood which may have been collected. 
• This is generally removed on the morning following the procedure.

Post-Treatment Process of Submandibular Gland Excision Surgery

After complete excision of a submandibular gland, there are several measures to be taken to avoid postoperative complications and to guarantee the patient’s postoperative comfort. Here is what typically follows the surgery:

• Hospital Stay and Immediate Recovery
• Wound Care and Dressings
• Drain Removal
• Antibiotics and Pain Medications
• Dietary Modifications
• Follow-up Appointments
• Swelling and Bruising Management
• Speech and Jaw Mobility Exercises
• Potential Nerve Sensation Monitoring
• Long-Term Recovery and Self-Care
• Regular Salivary Gland Function Check-ups

Are there any alternatives to Removal of the Submandibular Gland?

Some obstructions can be treated without any need for removing the submandibular gland. Medication can control the amount of saliva the patients produce if the patients are producing too much of the saliva from their salivary gland.

Submandibular Gland Surgery Recovery

The drain is generally removed the day after the surgery.The patients should be able to go home after one to two days or sometimes the same day the surgery has been performed.The stitches are generally removed seven to ten days after the surgery. Most of the people are then able to return to their work. Regular exercise should help the patients to return to their day to day activities as soon as possible. However, the patients should not perform any exercise for at least one week after the surgery has been performed. Before the patients start exercising, they should ask a member of the healthcare team or they must seek GP for advice.

Success Rate of Submandibular Gland Surgery

Submandibular gland removal or submandibular gland excision surgery has a high success rate and most people do not feel pain, swelling or recurrent infection again. When performed by experienced surgeons, this surgery yields a success rate of more than 90%, thus, the majority of patients experience elimination of the underlying problems.

Best Hospitals for Submandibular Gland Surgery

• Artemis Hospital, Gurgaon
• Medanta The Medicity, Gurgaon
• Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon
• Max Hospital, Saket New Delhi
• BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi

Best Doctors for Submandibular Gland Surgery

• Dr. Priyanka Raina

• Dr. Deepak Sarin
• Dr. Amit Mohan 
• Dr. Mridul Seth
• Dr. Neetu Kamra

Why Choose GetWellGo for Removing Submandibular Gland?

It would be pertinent to recommend GetWellGo for removing submandibular gland surgical treatment to international patients who may want to access the best quality treatment within a competent and efficient treatment. The potential reasons why such a platform might be a great choice for your surgery:

• Comprehensive International Patient Services
• Access to Experienced Surgeons
• State-of-the-Art Medical Facilities
• Comprehensive Pre- and Post-Surgery Care
• Affordable Treatment Options
• Streamlined Medical Tourism Experience
• Holistic patient Support
• Accommodation
• Visa Assistance

Conclusion

In cases of chronic submandibular gland pathology, such as infection, tumour, submandibular gland surgery is safe and efficacious. It has very low failure rates and the negative effects are comparatively mild in the long run. It can enhance patient’s quality of life if the patient experiences discomfort or other stable diseases. Doctor consultation is required in this case.

FAQ

1. What are the medical advantages of taking out the submandibular gland?

The primary benefits include:

• Relief from Chronic Pain and Swelling: In cases where the gland has been infected repeatedly, engorged with stones, or inflamed, its removal may resolve pain and oedema.
• Prevention of Future Complications: In cases of recurrent stones, chronic infection, or tumor, removal is considered important to stop the progress of such conditions.
• Tumor Management: In benign and malignant tumours, it allows right diagnosis once the gland has been removed and prevents the spread of cancer in malignant conditions.

2. How often is the surgery successful?

• It takes about 90% of patients through the operation, and most of them gain considerable improvement of their symptoms. The procedure is successful for treating chronic infections, stones and tumors as well as most patients go back to their normal Activities soon after the operation.

3. What is the usual duration of occupy of the hospital bed?

• Hospital Stay: Most patients are even discharged the same day or if not they are discharged within 1-2 days following surgery.
• Initial Recovery: First phase of recovery may extend for about, one to two weeks in most patients. Tenderness and erythema may be observed and swelling and/or bruising if the dots had been infiltrated; usually, these symptoms resolve in 3–5 days’ time.
• Full Recovery: Patients are generally up and about in 2- 4 weeks though the tissue heals in about 6-8 weeks. Full recovery of relatively minor peripheral nerve side effects such as transient sensory loss may also take a little longer.

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