Removal of the Submandibular Gland Using a Combined Retroauricular and Transoral Approach
Purpose
To evaluate the feasibility and outcome of a combined retroauricular and transoral approach for removing the submandibular gland.
Patients and Methods
Thirteen patients underwent removal of benign submandibular gland lesions (6 sialoadenitis with sialolithiasis, 4 chronic sialoadenitis, and 3 pleomorphic adenomas) using a combined retroauricular and intraoral approach.
Results
All 13 submandibular sialoadenectomies were successful and all of the wounds healed uneventfully. A temporary deficit of the lingual nerve developed in 2 cases and mild limited movement of the tongue developed in 3 cases. No patient suffered from weakness of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. The follow-up averaged 14.1 months (range, 6-24 months); no tumors recurred. The incision scars were invisible.
Conclusion
Submandibular gland resection using a combined retroauricular and transoral approach is a feasible method for benign submandibular gland lesions that provides an acceptable cosmetic outcome.
⁎Department Head and Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
†Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
‡Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
§Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
¶Lecturer, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Chen: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, 107 Yan-jiang Road, 510120 Guangzhou, China
ABSTRACT