Contents:
- Medical Video: Submandibular gland surgery
- What is the submandibular gland?
- When do I need to undergo removal of the submandibular gland?
- What should I know before undergoing removal of the submandibular gland?
- What should I do before undergoing removal of the submandibular gland
- What is the process of removing the submandibular gland?
- What should I do after undergoing removal of the submandibular gland?
- Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Medical Video: Submandibular gland surgery
Definition
What is the submandibular gland?
The submandibular gland is a pair of salivary glands located on both sides of the neck, below the jawbone. The submandibular gland may need to be removed for various reasons such as recurrent infections, salivary disorders, enlargement, or too much saliva production.
When do I need to undergo removal of the submandibular gland?
In general, this operation is performed because of an infection caused by obstruction of the ducts that drain the saliva - usually found in the salivary glands.
Prevention & warning
What should I know before undergoing removal of the submandibular gland?
Some disorders can actually be handled without surgical removal, for example in the case of excessive saliva production. This case can be treated with a saliva-controlling drug.
Process
What should I do before undergoing removal of the submandibular gland
In the surgical preparation stage, make sure you tell your doctor about your health condition, the medications you are taking, as well as all kinds of allergies you have. The anesthesiologist will explain the anesthesia procedure and give further instructions. Make sure you follow all doctor's instructions, including a ban on eating and drinking before surgery. In general, you are required to fast for six hours before the surgery is done. However, you may be allowed to consume drinks like coffee a few hours before the surgery.
What is the process of removing the submandibular gland?
Surgery is carried out under general anesthesia and usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour. The doctor will make an incision in the neck under the jaw, remove the submandibular gland, and install the drainage canal.
What should I do after undergoing removal of the submandibular gland?
The drain is usually released the next day. After surgery, you are allowed to go home after one or two days, or even on the same day. If it is not permanent, stitches are usually removed after 7 to 10 days after surgery and you can return to activities such as normal Regular exercise is also proven to speed up the recovery process. However, avoid exercise in the first week. Before you decide to exercise, ask your doctor for advice. Most people show good progress in the recovery period.
Complications
What complications can occur?
Every operating procedure must have its own risks. The surgeon will explain all kinds of risks that may occur after surgery. Common complications that can occur after surgery are the effects of post anesthesia, excessive bleeding, or blood clots in the deep vein (deep vein thrombosis or DVT).
Especially for this surgery, complications that can occur are:
● nerve damage
● surgical scar infections
You can reduce the risk of complications by following the doctor's directions before surgery, such as fasting and stopping taking certain drugs.
