Transcervical submandibular sialoadenectomy

The submandibular glands are subject to several pathologies that require excision. The most common problem that affects these salivary glands is sialadenitis combined with sialolithiasis. This problem occurs in the submandibular gland 10 times more frequently than it does in the parotid gland. Other illnesses frequently involving the submandibular glands are represented by sialadenosis and benign, malign, and intermediate neoplasms.Diagnosis of any disturbance in the submandibular gland involves both a clinical and instrumental (echography, traditional radiography [ortopantomography] and eventually computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging) assessment. Surgery is the usual method of treatment of both chronic sialadenitis and neoplasms in the submandibular gland. A submandibular gland surgical approach can be cervical, intraoral, or endoscopic.The authors present their clinical experience with a total of 40 patients with illnesses involving the submandibular gland treated with submandibular gland excision by a transcervical approach. Their experience suggests that this approach entails a relatively simple procedure, involves low risks for the nerve structure around the gland, permits wide resection margins for neoplasms, and incurs little aesthetic damage. ©2007Muntaz B. Habal, MD.