Salivary gland surgery

What is salivary gland surgery?

Salivary glands in your mouth produce and release saliva to keep the mouth moist and help you digest food. There are three pairs of major salivary glands and multiple smaller ones. The major glands are found in your cheeks (parotid glands), under your jaw (submandibular glands) and under your tongue (sublingual glands).

Why have this procedure?

Cancer and other non-cancerous conditions can develop in the salivary glands. The salivary glands can also become blocked by small hardened mineral deposits (salivary stones). Surgery may be recommended as part of treatment for any of these conditions.

What is involved in this procedure?

Salivary gland surgery is performed in hospital under general anaesthetic. The type of salivary gland surgery you need depends on your condition. Common types of salivary gland surgeries include:

Partoidectomy – surgery to remove part or all of the parotid gland in your cheek. Most tumours in this area are benign. This surgery takes 2-3 hours and is complex as your surgeon will take care protecting the nerve to the face.

Submandibular gland excision – surgery to remove a tumour or stone blocking the submandibular gland under your jaw. Most tumours in this area are benign. This surgery takes 1-2 hours.

Sialendoscopy – a minimally invasive surgery to remove salivary stones blocking the salivary duct, usually under the jaw but also in the cheek, using small incisions and small instruments. For larger stones, the salivary gland may need to be removed as well. This surgery takes from 20 minutes up to 1.5 hours.

Your ENT is highly trained in preserving the delicate tissues inside the mouth and protecting the important facial nerves that interact with the salivary glands and control movement in you face and tongue.

What should I expect after surgery?

After surgery, you can expect some swelling and discomfort in your face and numbness around your incisions. It is possible to have some temporary nerve weakness in your face. Your surgeon will explain any risks and outline what to expect after surgery. Recovery time depends on the type and reason for your surgery. Most people will return to work the next day after sialendoscopy while recovery after salivary gland removal may take longer (1-2 weeks).   

Where will I have my surgery?

Salivary gland surgery may be booked as day or overnight surgery, depending on your procedure. If you have private health cover, you can choose to have the surgery at North Shore Private Hospital, Castlecrag Private Hospital or Northern Beaches Hospital. If you prefer to be seen as a public patient, surgery is offered at Northern Beaches Hospital.