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Salivary gland surgery is a procedure used to treat salivary gland disorders, such as salivary stones, tumors, and infections. It may be performed using minimally invasive techniques or open surgical methods depending on the type of disorder being treated.
Salivary Gland Surgery Procedure
Salivary gland surgery may be done for a number of reasons. It can involve an endoscopic procedure – such as sialendoscopy – to view, diagnose, and remove salivary gland stones. It may also involve an open surgical approach to excise a salivary tumor or an infected salivary gland. In some cases, salivary glands may be surgically removed if cancerous or pre-cancerous tissues are present. All salivary gland surgeries are typically performed under general anesthesia for patient comfort and safety.
Before surgery, your doctor at NJ ENT will assess the severity of your condition to determine the best course of action. If minimally invasive options are available, salivary duct obstruction may be resolved with the placement of a stent or salivary gland decompression. For more extensive salivary gland obstructions, surgical removal may be necessary.
During the procedure, a surgeon will remove abnormal salivary glands and/or salivary ducts that are causing blockages or other issues. Afterward, routine suturing of the incision is performed to ensure proper healing. The goal of surgery is generally to preserve the salivary function of the affected area as much as possible while eliminating any disease process in the salivary glands.
Salivary Gland Disorders
Salivary gland disorders are issues with salivary glands that lead to changes in salivary output, salivary flow obstruction, and salivary gland swelling. These disorders can be quite uncomfortable and often indicate an underlying condition. Common salivary gland disorders include salivary duct stones, salivary gland infection, salivary glands swelling, salivary glands inflammation, salivary glands blockage and salivary cysts. Many of these conditions are treatable with medications or surgery depending on the severity of the disorder. If you experience any unusual symptoms related to your salivary glands such as pain when swallowing or sialorrhea (drooling), it is important to speak to a doctor right away in order to prevent further damage or health complications. Saliva is necessary for digestion and helps fight infection so it is essential that any salivary gland disorder is addressed in a timely manner.
Salivary Stones
Salivary stones are deposits of solid material, usually calcium or cholesterol, that form in salivary gland ducts. Salivary stones may form when the salivary ducts become blocked, leading to pain or infection. They can cause pain if left untreated. Salivary stones can be removed surgically by making a small incision near the salivary gland and removing the stone. Salivary stones, also known as salivary duct calculi, are stony deposits that form within the salivary glands. They range in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters, and may be composed of calcium phosphate, calcium carbonate and magnesium phosphate. These stones can cause pain or infection and block the passage of saliva. The most common salivary gland affected by salivary stones is the submandibular salivary gland, located near the lower jawline on each side of the face.
Tumors on Salivary Glands
Tumors are abnormal growths of tissue that may occur in salivary glands. Depending on their size and type, they may require surgical removal for diagnosis and treatment. They may be benign or malignant, and can develop from either salivary gland cells or salivary ducts. Symptoms of salivary gland tumors vary depending on their location and size, but can include swelling in the face, pain when eating or speaking, difficulty breathing, numbness in the area where the tumor is located, changes to taste sensations and facial expressions. Treatment of salivary gland tumors typically involves surgery to remove the affected tissue; radiation therapy may also be used in some cases. If caught early enough, salivary gland tumors are often curable without any long-term complications.
Submandibular Gland Removal Surgery
Submandibular gland removal is a procedure in which a portion of the salivary gland located beneath the jaw is removed. This salivary gland, also known as the submandibular salivary gland, produces saliva that helps to lubricate and protect the mouth. Submandibular glands may become blocked due to an infection or other medical conditions, leading to discomfort.
Surgery Recovery
Overall, salivary gland surgery can be performed safely and effectively with minimal post-operative complications. However, it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of surgery with your doctor here at NJ ENT prior to undergoing any kind of treatment. Additionally, following all pre-operative and post-operative instructions from your doctor will help ensure a successful outcome for gland surgery.
After surgery, the patient may require physical therapy or salivary gland stimulation to help increase salivary flow. Additionally, your doctor may also prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications to help reduce pain and swelling at the surgical site. The recovery process can vary based on the extent of the procedure and individual’s overall health. Generally speaking, most individuals will experience some discomfort and swelling in the days following surgery, and will be asked to adhere to a soft diet.
In some cases, surgery may be performed in order to diagnose a salivary gland disorder like an infection or tumor. This helps us better understand what is causing the issue in order to provide more effective treatment options.
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How We Can Help
If you have been diagnosed with a salivary gland disorder and are considering salivary gland surgery, it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure with your doctor here at NJ ENT. With proper care and follow-up, it can provide relief from uncomfortable or painful salivary gland disorders. Contact us today for more information about salivary gland surgery.
The NJ ENT team has performed thousands of procedures and has the experience to provide you with exceptional care. We use the latest technology and techniques to ensure that you receive the best possible outcome. Our doctors are experts in their field specializing in ear, nose and throat disorders and the related procedures and surgeries.
Salivary Gland Surgery FAQs
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions regarding diet. In most cases, you will be able to resume drinking fluids shortly after surgery. Solid foods may be gradually reintroduced once swallowing function has returned, and you can tolerate them comfortably.
Salivary gland surgery may be necessary if there are tumors, obstructions, infections, or recurrent swelling.
Some individuals may experience reduced saliva production, leading to dry mouth or difficulty swallowing, while others may notice changes in taste or saliva consistency. These effects are often temporary and improve over time as the body adjusts and heals. Some are affected by lower saliva production and loss of taste permanently depending on the damage to the glands and nerves.
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