Salivary gland surgery
Salivary glands are glands that produce saliva, and they are located around the oral cavity and pharynx, that is, they are attached to the initial part of the digestive system. Saliva is permanently secreted in the oral cavity in small quantities, providing it with moisture, while it is secreted in larger quantities when we eat, which helps to soften the food. This starts the digestion process.
There are three pairs of large salivary glands and many small salivary glands associated with the mucous membrane of the oral cavity. The major salivary glands are: parotid gland, submandibular gland and sublingual gland.
Obstruction of the flow of saliva, inflammation, infections and tumors can lead to disturbances in the work of the salivary glands.
The parotid gland surgery
The parotid gland can be left or right, and is located below and in front of the ear, while the parotid duct drains saliva into the mouth from the inside of the cheek, opposite the upper teeth. The parotid gland is the largest of the three main salivary glands in the human body.
Parotid gland surgery is a surgical procedure performed to remove tumors or other pathological conditions in the parotid gland. There are several different types of parotid gland surgery, and the choice of a particular one depends on the type of tumor or other pathological condition in the gland, as well as on other factors such as the age and health status of the patient.
Most often, partial or subtotal parotidectomy is used, which involves removing part of the gland together with the tumor or other pathological condition, while leaving the healthy part of the gland intact. In some cases, a total parotidectomy, which involves the complete removal of the gland, may be necessary.
The procedure begins with an incision in the skin around the ear and continues with the opening of the subcutaneous tissue and muscles. The parotid gland is then identified and the area containing the tumor or other pathological condition is identified. The surgeon will carefully separate this area from the surrounding tissues and nerves and will cut out the part of the gland containing the tumor. The blood vessels feeding this part of the gland are then sealed to prevent bleeding.
After removing part of the gland, the wound is carefully closed. The surgeon will also check that the nerves near the gland are not damaged.
Parotid gland surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and requires several days of recovery. Patients usually need to stay in the hospital for one to two nights after surgery and can then go home with wound care and rehabilitation instructions.
The submandibular gland surgery
The submandibular gland can also be left or right, and is located under the floor of the oral cavity, just below the lower jaw, where saliva is secreted through the outlet channel in the floor of the oral cavity.
Submandibular gland surgery can be performed for various reasons, including tumor lesions, inflammation, stones in the ducts or other pathologies. The operation is usually performed under general anesthesia, and the surgeon accesses the gland through incisions in the area under the lower jaw.
The procedure usually involves the removal of part or all of the submandibular gland, depending on the reason for the surgery and the extent of the pathology. There are several surgical techniques that can be used during submandibular gland surgery, depending on the reason for the surgery and the extent of the pathology. The surgeon will choose the most appropriate technique.
After surgery, patients are usually prescribed analgesics to relieve pain and antibiotics to prevent infection. Recovery after surgery usually takes several days, and patients are advised to avoid heavy foods and activities that could lead to increased bleeding in the surgical area. Regular check-ups with a doctor are also important in order to monitor the condition and prevent possible complications.