Salivary Glands
Salivary glands consist of the major salivary glands, which are the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands located in front of the ear, under the jaw, and under the tongue, respectively. Additionally, there are hundreds of small salivary glands distributed throughout the inside of the mouth.
Common Diseases of Salivary Glands
The primary diseases affecting salivary glands include infections, stones, and masses. Salivary gland surgeries are most frequently performed to address stones and masses in the parotid and submandibular glands. A notable example of a salivary gland infection is mumps, a viral disease. Other infections, especially bacterial ones, can develop in specific cases and are treated with medication.
Which Anesthesia is Used for Salivary Gland Surgeries?
Salivary gland surgeries are typically performed under general anesthesia, especially when they involve the removal of benign or malignant masses in the parotid and submandibular glands. If stones in the ducts of the salivary glands are close to the mouth, they can be removed with local anesthesia. However, if the stones are deep-seated, general anesthesia is preferred.
Features of Parotid Gland Surgery
The most critical aspect of parotid gland surgery is the identification and preservation of the five branches of the facial nerve that pass through the salivary gland. This anatomical detail makes parotid gland surgery particularly delicate. During parotid gland surgery, a specialized incision is made that starts in front of the ear, curves to the back, and extends toward the neck. The surgery can be completed by removing the salivary gland tissues on the surface of the facial nerve, and this technique is called “superficial parotidectomy.” In some cases, the deep part of the salivary gland, along with the portion of the facial nerve deep inside, may also be removed, and this technique is referred to as “total parotidectomy.”
What Can Be Expected After Parotid Gland Surgery?
Partial and temporary facial nerve paralysis may occur after parotid gland surgery. Very rarely, permanent facial nerve paralysis can occur, but advancements in technology and the surgeon’s expertise have significantly reduced the risk of this complication.
During the surgery, magnifying glasses or microscopes are used to enlarge the view of the surgical area. Additionally, nerve stimulators are employed to safely identify the location of the facial nerve during surgery, ensuring nerve safety. These measures enhance the safety of parotid gland surgery concerning the facial nerve.
Features of Submandibular Gland Surgery
Submandibular gland surgery is performed under general anesthesia with a small incision made in the neck while the patient is asleep. Partial facial nerve paralysis, limited to the branches of the facial nerve that go to the corner of the mouth, can rarely occur during submandibular gland surgery.
What Is a Ranula, and How Is It Treated?
A ranula is a benign salivary cyst that occurs specifically in the sublingual salivary gland. Its treatment involves surgery. Masses located in the smaller salivary glands can occur anywhere inside the mouth, and their surgeries are specific to these areas.
