Submandibular Gland Excision

The submandibular gland is a salivary gland tucked under the jaw bone in the upper neck. There is one on each side of the neck. It is sometimes necessary to remove this gland because of conditions such as infections or salivary stones or in order to gain a diagnosis of a lump within the salivary gland.

The surgery is straightforward for a fully qualified ENT, Head and Neck Surgeon. There is a small scar in the neck. Usually, a drain is placed over-night and removed the next day and the patient is then discharged home.

The risks of the procedure include injury to the small nerves that move the corner of the lip, the nerve that moves the tongue to the side and the nerve that gives sensation to the side of the tongue.