Salivary Gland Operations
Salivary gland operations aim to partially or completely remove the parotid glands, sublingual glands, or submandibular glands. There are many classifications of diseases that lead to the inflammation, infection, dysfunction, or swelling of the salivary glands. Various methods are available to diagnose the patient's condition and then prescribe appropriate treatments. Resorting to surgery is considered one of the effective treatment methods in many cases, depending on the specialist doctor's vision and directives.
Types of Salivary Glands
- Major Salivary Glands:
- Parotid Gland: This gland is located opposite the ear, with its duct length ranging from 4 to 7 centimeters. It weighs twenty-five grams and consists of a superficial part containing nervous components and a deep part containing lymphatic and blood vessels. The parotid gland secretes 25% of the saliva into the mouth.
- Submandibular Gland: Located beneath the lower jaw, this gland's duct length is 5 centimeters. It consists of a deep and a superficial part, weighing seven grams. The submandibular gland secretes 70% of the saliva in the mouth.
- Sublingual Gland: Situated beneath the tongue, weighing three grams. It is connected to twenty ducts, including the Rivinus duct. All these ducts converge into one channel known as Bartholin's duct. The sublingual gland secretes 5% of the total saliva produced inside the mouth.
What are the Symptoms of Inflammation in these Glands?
- Decreased saliva secretion and feeling of dry mouth.
- Elevation in body temperature, which may lead to fever.
- Redness and swelling in the affected areas.
- Formation of tumors in the facial region, especially evident in parotid gland inflammation.
- Sense of taste alteration.
- Severe pain exacerbated by eating.
- Inability to open the mouth, accompanied by pain.
What are the Steps in Salivary Gland Removal Operations?
- Sublingual Gland Removal Operation:
The patient is often placed under general anesthesia during salivary gland removal operations. In cases of mild inflammation, local anesthesia may be used. The steps vary depending on the type or category of the operation, as follows:
- In the sublingual gland removal operation, the doctor creates a surgical opening inside the mouth if the affected tissue is small. If there is a large affected tissue area, the operation may be performed by creating an incision in the neck. Finally, the doctor closes the surgical incision.
- Submandibular Gland Removal Operation:
In the submandibular gland removal operation, the doctor creates a surgical opening in the neck area beneath the jaw, then removes the abnormal tissues. In some cases, this operation may include removing tissues from other affected areas, such as lymph nodes in the neck. Afterward, the doctor sutures the wound.
- Parotid Gland Removal Operation:
In the parotid gland removal or excision operation, the doctor creates an incision beneath the ear in the same direction as the throat, then removes the damaged tissues. Caution is exercised to avoid damaging healthy tissues or nerves. Subsequently, the surgical incision is closed using surgical sutures, with a tube placed to drain fluids secreted by the wound.
