What are the submandibular glands?
The submandibular glands are salivary glands. There are two, one on either side of your neck, under your jawbone (see figure 1).
A submandibular gland may need removing for a variety of reasons such as repeated infection, obstruction of saliva, unexplained enlargement or too much saliva being produced.
What are the benefits of surgery?
You should no longer have symptoms of swelling, pain and an unpleasant taste in your mouth.
Are there any alternatives to surgery?
Some obstructions can be treated without having to remove the gland. Medication can control the amount of saliva you produce, if you are producing too much.
What does the operation involve?
The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and usually takes 45 minutes to an hour.
Your surgeon will make a cut on the skin of your neck just under your jaw. They will remove the gland and may insert a drain (tube).
What complications can happen?
1 General complications
- Pain
- Bleeding
- Unsightly scarring
2 Specific complications
- Damage to nerves
- Infection of the surgical site (wound)
How soon will I recover?
If your surgeon placed a drain in your neck, it will usually be removed the next day.
You should be able to go home after one to two days or sometimes the same day.
If the stiches are not dissolvable, they are usually removed after 7 to 10 days. You should then be able to return to work.
Regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible but do not do any exercise for the first week. Before you start exercising, ask the healthcare team or your GP for advice.
Most people make a good recovery.A problem with a submandibular gland can cause swelling, pain and an unpleasant taste in your mouth. Removing the gland will take away the symptoms and can help find out the cause of an enlarged gland.
Acknowledgements
Author: Mr Andrew Sidebottom FDSRCS FRCS
Illustrations: LifeART image copyright 2012 Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.-Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. All rights reserved
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EIDO Healthcare Ltd
Last updated:
June 2015
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