This webpage has been designed to improve understanding of the Removal of the Submandibular Gland and contains answers to the most commonly asked questions about this treatment. If you have any other questions that the website does not answer or would like further explanation please ask a member of our medical staff.

What is the submandibular gland?
The submandibular gland is a salivary gland about the size of a plum that lies immediately below the lower jaw. Saliva drains from it through a tube that opens on the inside of the mouth under the tongue immediately behind the lower front teeth. The most common reason for removing a submandibular gland is as a result of infection that occurs if the tubes that drain saliva become blocked. Blockages usually arise as a result of stones.

What does the operation involve?
The submandibular gland is removed under a general anaesthetic, ie the patient is put to sleep completely. The operation involves a cut around two inches long (5cm) in the upper part of the neck just below the jaw line. Once the gland has been removed the incision is held together again with stitches. These usually need to be removed around a week after surgery. At the end of the operation a small tube is also placed through the skin into the underlying wound to drain any blood, which may collect. This is usually removed on the morning following surgery.

Will any further treatment be performed when the patient is asleep?
If the gland is being removed because of infection that is caused by a stone it may also be necessary to make a cut inside the mouth to remove that stone.

How long will the operation take?
The length of time partly depends upon the degree of difficulty. In an uncomplicated procedure it will take approximately 45 minutes to remove the submandibular gland.

What can be expected after the operation?
The patient usually requires a night in hospital following the surgery. It is unlikely to be very sore but regular painkillers will be arranged. There is relatively little swelling following submandibular gland removal.

Does this procedure require any time off work?
It is usually advisable to take a week off from work to recover from the surgery. During this time the patient should avoid strenuous activity.

Is there any post operative care?
It is important to keep the wound dry for the first week following surgery. This obviously means patients need to take care when washing or shaving.

Will this procedure leave a scar?
All cuts made through the skin leave a scar but the majority of these fade with time and are difficult to see when they are fully healed. It may take several months for the scar to fade but eventually it should blend into the natural folds and contours of the face.

What are the possible problems?
Bleeding from the wound is unlikely to be a problem. If it occurs it usually does so within the first 12 hours of surgery, which is why patients need to stay in hospital overnight.

Infection is uncommon but if your surgeon thinks it may happen a short course of antibiotics will be prescribed.

What are the possible complications?
There are three nerves that lie close to the submandibular gland that can be damaged during its removal. Most nerve damage occurs as a result of bruising of the nerves since they are held out of the way and protected during surgery. If nerve damage occurs it is usually temporary. There are three nerves that can be damaged all with varying results:

Weakness of the lower lip - a lower branch of the facial nerve is the nerve most likely to be bruised in the removal of a submandibular gland. If bruising occurs it affects the movement of the patients lower lip, leading to a slightly crooked smile.

Numbness of the tongue - the lingual nerve is rarely bruised. Since it is the nerve that supplies feeling to the side of the tongue bruising results in a tingly or numb feeling in the tongue, similar to the sensation after having an injection at the dentist.

Restricted tongue movement - the hypoglossal nerve is only very rarely bruised. It is a nerve that makes the tongue move and damage can therefore result in decrease of tongue movement.

Is permanent nerve damage possible?
The majority of damage to nerves is temporary although it can take several months for them to recover. Permanent damage is possible and usually occurs in only the most difficult cases.

If a salivary gland is removed will cause a dry mouth?
The removal of one sublingual gland will not have an impact on the amount of saliva that is produced. There are many other saliva glands left in and around the mouth that will still keep it moist.

Will further appointments be required?
A review appointment will be arranged before the patient leaves hospital to see the surgeon again.

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