Intraoral Excision of the Submandibular Gland / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Removal of the submandibular gland is often required for chronic inflammatory diseases and for benign tumors such as pleomorphic adenoma. The usual submandibular surgery can be performed through cervical approach, but this approach has disadvantages such as external scar and injury to the mandibular branch of the facial nerve. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-nine cases of submandibular gland disorders were analysed in view of surgical technique and complications. RESULTS: The submandibular gland was easily exposed intraorally by incision of the floor of the mouth extending posteriorly. Early postoperative complications were temporary paresis of lingual nerve, and temporary limitation of tongue movement. There were no late complications. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of this technique are the avoidance of an external scar and nerve injury. We suggest this approach in the deliberate excision of chronically inflammed salivary gland and benign tumors as an alternative approach to the standard cervical approach.