A submandibular gland resection is a surgical procedure to remove one of the submandibular glands, often performed to treat tumours, chronic infections, or salivary stones.
A submandibular gland resection is a surgical procedure to remove one of the submandibular glands. These glands are part of your salivary system and are located beneath your jawbone on both sides of your face. They produce saliva, which helps with chewing, swallowing, and digesting food.At Hills Surgical Oncology, Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak, a highly skilled head and neck surgeon in Sydney, specialises in performing submandibular gland resections. With clinics in Wahroonga and the Hills area, Dr Abdul-Razak provides expert care for patients requiring this procedure.
The submandibular gland is a salivary gland located at the base of your jaw.
Why is a submandibular gland resection performed?
There are several reasons why your doctor might recommend a submandibular gland resection. Some common reasons include:
Tumours: Both benign (non-cancerous) and malignant (cancerous) tumours can develop in the submandibular gland.
Chronic sialadenitis: Recurring inflammation or infection of the gland that doesn't respond to other treatments.
Sialolithiasis: Large stones in the submandibular gland that block saliva flow and cause pain or swelling.
Ranula: A fluid-filled cyst that develops near the submandibular gland.
Dr Abdul-Razak, a renowned surgical oncologist in Sydney, carefully assesses each patient's condition to determine if a submandibular gland resection is the best course of action.[Image suggestion: Before and after images of a neck with a swollen submandibular gland, showing the difference post-resection]
What happens during a submandibular gland resection?
A submandibular gland resection is typically performed under general anaesthesia, meaning you'll be asleep during the procedure. Here's what you can expect:
Anaesthesia: The anaesthetist will administer medication to put you to sleep.
Incision: Dr Abdul-Razak will make an incision in the neck, usually about 4-6 centimetres long, just below the jawline.
Identifying important structures: The surgeon carefully identifies and preserves important nerves and blood vessels in the area.
Removing the gland: The submandibular gland is carefully separated from surrounding tissues and removed.
Checking for bleeding: The surgical site is thoroughly checked to ensure there's no bleeding.
Closing the incision: The incision is closed with stitches or surgical glue.
The entire procedure usually takes about 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity of the case.
What should I expect after a submandibular gland resection?
After your submandibular gland resection at Hills Surgical Oncology:
Recovery room: You'll spend some time in a recovery room where nurses will monitor your vital signs.
Hospital stay: Most patients can go home the same day, but some may need to stay overnight for observation.
Pain management: You may experience some discomfort, which can be managed with pain medication.
Drainage tube: You might have a small tube to drain fluid from the incision site, which is typically removed before you go home.
Swelling: Some swelling in the neck area is normal and usually subsides within a few days.
Follow-up appointment: Dr Abdul-Razak will schedule a follow-up visit to check your recovery and remove any stitches if necessary.
What is the recovery process like after a submandibular gland resection?
Recovery from a submandibular gland resection varies from person to person, but generally:
Rest: Take it easy for the first few days after surgery.
Incision care: Keep the incision clean and dry. Dr Abdul-Razak will provide specific instructions on wound care.
Pain management: Take pain medication as prescribed to manage discomfort.
Diet: You can usually return to your normal diet soon after surgery, but start with soft foods if chewing is uncomfortable.
Activity: Avoid strenuous activities for about 1 to 2 weeks after surgery.
Return to work: Most people can return to work within 1 to 2 weeks after surgery, depending on the nature of their job.
Follow-up: You'll have follow-up appointments with Dr Abdul-Razak to monitor your recovery.
Are there any risks or complications associated with submandibular gland resections?
Like all surgical procedures, submandibular gland resection carries some risks. However, when performed by an experienced surgeon like Dr Abdul-Razak at Hills Surgical Oncology, complications are rare. Potential risks include:
Bleeding or infection at the surgical site
Injury to nearby nerves, which could affect movement of the lower lip or tongue
Numbness in the surgical area
Dry mouth (although this is usually temporary)
Scar formation
Dr Abdul-Razak takes every precaution to minimise these risks and will discuss them with you in detail before the procedure.
How will a submandibular gland resection affect my life long-term?
For most patients, submandibular gland resection leads to significant improvements in their health and quality of life. Here's what you can expect long-term:
Resolution of symptoms: Pain, swelling, and other symptoms related to the affected gland should resolve.
Saliva production: The remaining salivary glands usually compensate for the removed gland, so you shouldn't notice a significant difference in saliva production.
Scar healing: The incision scar typically fades over time and becomes less noticeable.
Regular check-ups: If the surgery was performed due to a tumour, you may need periodic follow-ups to ensure there's no recurrence.
Dr Abdul-Razak and the team at Hills Surgical Oncology will provide ongoing support and monitoring to ensure your long-term health after submandibular gland resection.
Will my appearance change after a submandibular gland resection?
It's natural to be concerned about how you'll look after submandibular gland resection. Here's what you can expect:
Incision scar: The incision is carefully placed to be as inconspicuous as possible, usually in a natural crease below the jawline. Over time, the scar usually fades and becomes less noticeable.
Neck contour: There may be a slight change in the contour of your neck where the gland was removed, but this is often not very noticeable.
Dr Abdul-Razak at Hills Surgical Oncology uses advanced surgical techniques to minimise changes to your appearance while effectively treating your condition.
After a submandibular gland resection, there is a small scar at the top of the neck where the incision was made.
How long does the submandibular gland resection surgery take?
The duration of a submandibular gland resection can vary depending on the individual patient's condition and any complications that may arise during surgery. Generally:
A typical submandibular gland resection takes about 1 to 2 hours.
More complex cases may take longer.
When can I return to normal activities after submandibular gland resection?
The time it takes to return to normal activities after a submandibular gland resection can vary depending on your job and how you're feeling. In general:
Most people can return to desk jobs within 1 to 2 weeks.
For jobs requiring physical labour, you may need 2 to 3 weeks off.
You should avoid strenuous exercise for about 2 weeks after surgery.
Driving can usually be resumed once you're no longer taking strong pain medications and feel comfortable turning your head.
Will I need to change my diet after a submandibular gland resection?
In most cases, you won't need to make significant long-term changes to your diet after submandibular gland resection. However:
For the first few days after surgery, you may find it more comfortable to eat soft foods.
Stay well-hydrated to help with saliva production.
If you experience any dry mouth symptoms, sucking on sugar-free lozenges or chewing sugar-free gum can help stimulate saliva production.
Why choose Hills Surgical Oncology for your submandibular gland resection?
When considering a submandibular gland resection, choosing the right surgeon is crucial. Here's why Hills Surgical Oncology, led by Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak, is an excellent choice:
Expertise: As a specialist head and neck surgeon and surgical oncologist in Sydney, Dr Abdul-Razak has extensive experience in salivary gland surgeries.
Advanced techniques: We use the latest surgical techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Comprehensive care: From initial consultation to post-operative care, we provide support at every step of your journey.
Convenient locations: With clinics in Wahroonga and the Hills area, we're easily accessible to patients across Sydney.
Patient-centred approach: We understand that every patient is unique, and we tailor our care to meet your individual needs.
Submandibular gland resection is a generally safe and effective procedure that can significantly improve your health and quality of life if you're suffering from submandibular gland conditions. At Hills Surgical Oncology, Dr Muzib Abdul-Razak and his team are committed to providing expert, compassionate care to patients requiring this surgery.
If you're in the Hills area, Norwest, Wahroonga, or anywhere in Sydney and are considering a submandibular gland resection, don't hesitate to reach out to Hills Surgical Oncology. Dr Abdul-Razak, a leading head and neck surgeon and surgical oncologist in Sydney, is here to answer your questions and guide you through the process.Remember, your health is our priority. We're here to ensure you receive the best possible care for your submandibular gland condition.
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