Salivary gland removal

There are various types of surgical interventions for the removal of salivary glands.

The specific nuances of the procedure and the surgical approach are determined by the location of the affected gland.

Based on this, three main types are distinguished:

1. Sialadenectomy — the removal of the submandibular salivary gland. In this case, the incision is made externally under the jaw. In the event of a malignant process, regional lymph nodes are also subject to removal.
2. Parotidectomy — a surgical procedure to excise the parotid gland. It is performed with extreme caution because the facial nerve passes through this gland; any damage to it can lead to complications such as facial muscle paralysis, sensory loss, and other neurological issues.
3. Sublingual resection — an operation to remove the sublingual salivary gland, which is located on both sides of the tongue in the lower part of the oral cavity. Surgical access is gained through the mouth, which eliminates even minor scarring on the outside of the neck.

Indications for surgical intervention include:

• blockage of the salivary duct by a stone or a mucus plug, leading to pain, swelling, and inflammation;
• formation of a cyst, which can increase in size and compress surrounding tissues;
• development of benign tumors, which can also grow and deform the face or impair the functions of adjacent organs;
• oncological processes.