Salivary gland surgery is a procedure performed by physicians to diagnose and treat various conditions affecting these glands, including infections, obstructions, and the growth of benign or malignant tumors.
In this article, ENT experts at Magrabi Health outline the main reasons for performing salivary gland surgery, discuss its types, and provide an overview of the procedure's essential details.
Why do Magrabi Health physicians perform salivary gland surgery?
ENT surgeons at Magrabi Health recommend salivary gland surgery to diagnose and treat the following conditions:
- Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can develop in various salivary glands, such as the parotid glands, submandibular glands, and sublingual glands.
- Salivary gland stones and duct obstruction: Calcium deposits can block the salivary ducts, preventing normal saliva flow and causing swelling, infection, and pain.
- Excessive salivation: Surgery may help manage salivary gland disorders associated with conditions like Parkinson's disease.
- Chronic infections: Persistent infections in the salivary glands may require surgical intervention.
Types of salivary gland surgeries
The type of surgery selected depends on the affected gland and the patient's overall health:
- Parotid gland excision: This surgery involves complete or partial removal of the parotid gland located near the ear, often due to tumors or stones. Special care is required to protect the facial nerve, which controls facial expressions.
- Submandibular gland excision: This procedure removes the gland beneath the lower jaw when it is affected by obstructions, tumors, or stones. Surgeons exercise caution to protect critical nerves, such as the lingual nerve responsible for tongue sensation and the hypoglossal nerve controlling tongue movement.
- Sublingual gland excision: This surgery targets sublingual glands damaged by tumors or infections. Surgeons ensure the safety of the lingual nerve, which is essential for taste and sensation.
- Small salivary gland surgery: This involves managing the small salivary glands located in the lips, roof of the mouth, and inner cheeks, often affected by tumor growth.
- Lymph node removal: When cancer spreads to lymph nodes in the neck, their removal may be necessary.
Preparing for salivary gland surgery
ENT surgeons at Magrabi Health emphasize the importance of proper preparation to enhance the success and ease of surgery. Preparation typically involves:
- Comprehensive medical evaluation: Obtaining a detailed medical history and performing a thorough clinical examination of the face, neck, and jaw.
- Imaging tests: Ordering diagnostic imaging such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to confirm the diagnosis.
- Pre-surgery instructions: Providing guidelines such as fasting, discontinuing certain medications (e.g., blood thinners), and avoiding smoking.
Steps of salivary gland surgery
Magrabi Health surgeons typically perform salivary gland surgery under general anesthesia, following these steps:
- Making the incision: The surgeon makes an incision in a location that minimizes visible scarring.
- Removing the gland: The affected gland is carefully excised, with meticulous attention to preserving surrounding nerves and healthy tissues.
- Closing the incision: The wound is sutured, and a drainage tube is placed to prevent fluid accumulation.
Recovery after salivary gland surgery
Recovery duration varies depending on the patient's condition. Patients may stay in the hospital overnight for monitoring and to ensure the surgery's success. Drainage tubes are usually removed within one to two days.
Most patients can resume light activities after a week. They are advised to keep the wound clean and dry and avoid heavy lifting. Complete recovery typically occurs within a few weeks.
Potential complications of salivary gland surgery
Although generally safe, salivary gland surgery may carry risks, such as:
- Nerve damage: Temporary or permanent changes in sensation or muscle movement may occur in the surrounding area.
- Bleeding or infection: Common surgical risks include bleeding or postoperative infections.
- Frey's syndrome: This condition causes facial sweating during meals and can be managed with treatments like Botox injections.
- First bite syndrome: A rare complication involving pain during the first bite of food.
Magrabi Health experts stress that minimizing these risks requires the consulting of experienced ENT surgeons and adherence to strict sterilization protocols.
Frequently asked questions
1. Does salivary gland removal cause dry mouth?
- No, the remaining glands compensate for the loss, ensuring adequate saliva production.
2. Can all tumors in the salivary glands be removed?
- Most benign and malignant tumors can be surgically excised.
Book an appointment at your nearest Magrabi Health branch, the leading hospital for diagnosing and treating ENT disorders, to receive top-quality healthcare services in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.
