The submandibular glands are one of the major salivary glands responsible for producing saliva that helps with digestion, swallowing, and maintaining oral health. These glands are located beneath the lower jaw on both sides of the neck. When the submandibular gland develops certain medical conditions such as chronic infections, salivary gland stones, or tumors, surgical removal of the gland may be necessary. This surgical procedure is called submandibular gland excision.
Although salivary gland disorders are relatively uncommon, they can cause significant discomfort and may affect daily activities such as eating, speaking, and swallowing. Persistent swelling under the jaw, pain during meals, or recurrent infections are often signs that the gland may not be functioning properly.
Submandibular gland excision is a well-established surgical treatment that removes the diseased gland and eliminates the source of symptoms. When performed by an experienced surgeon, the procedure is safe and helps restore comfort and normal function.
Patients looking for submandibular gland surgery in Islamabad or Rawalpindi can consult Dr. Adil Shafi, Consultant General, Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgeon, who provides expert surgical evaluation and treatment for conditions affecting the salivary glands.
Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment help prevent complications and improve long-term outcomes.
Submandibular gland excision is a surgical procedure performed to remove the submandibular salivary gland located beneath the jaw. The surgery is usually recommended when the gland develops chronic disease that cannot be treated with medication alone.
The submandibular glands produce a large portion of the saliva in the mouth. However, when the gland becomes blocked, infected, or develops tumors, it may cause repeated discomfort and swelling.
In such cases, removing the affected gland is often the most effective treatment.
Submandibular gland excision is performed under general anesthesia and involves carefully removing the gland while preserving surrounding nerves and blood vessels.
Because other salivary glands remain functional, the body can still produce adequate saliva even after the gland is removed.
Submandibular gland disorders often present with noticeable symptoms that affect the area under the jaw.
Common symptoms include:
These symptoms may occur intermittently or become persistent depending on the underlying condition.
Medical evaluation is important when symptoms continue or worsen over time.
Several medical conditions affecting the salivary glands may require surgical removal of the submandibular gland.
Salivary Gland Stones (Sialolithiasis): Salivary gland stones are one of the most common causes of submandibular gland problems. These stones block the salivary ducts, causing pain and swelling, especially during meals.
Chronic Sialadenitis: Repeated infections of the gland may cause long-term inflammation and damage, requiring surgical removal.
Salivary Gland Tumors: Both benign and malignant tumors can develop in the submandibular gland.
Abscess Formation: Severe infections may lead to abscess formation that cannot be treated with antibiotics alone.
Cysts of the Salivary Gland: Fluid-filled cysts may develop in the gland and may require removal if they cause symptoms.
Proper medical evaluation helps determine whether surgery is necessary.
Several factors may contribute to diseases affecting the submandibular gland.
Dehydration: Low fluid intake can reduce saliva production and increase the risk of stone formation.
Poor Oral Hygiene: Bacteria in the mouth can cause infections that spread to the salivary glands.
Salivary Duct Obstruction: Blockages in the salivary ducts may prevent saliva from flowing normally.
Smoking: Smoking may increase the risk of salivary gland problems.
Chronic Illness: Certain medical conditions affecting immunity may increase infection risk.
Tumor Formation: Although rare, tumors can develop in the gland and require surgical treatment.
Understanding these factors can help prevent recurrence of salivary gland problems.
Doctors may recommend submandibular gland excision when:
Surgical removal of the affected gland eliminates the source of infection and prevents further complications.
Early treatment is often recommended when symptoms persist.
Submandibular gland excision is performed in a hospital under general anesthesia.
The procedure generally involves the following steps.
Preoperative Evaluation: Doctors perform imaging tests such as ultrasound or CT scans to evaluate the gland and determine the cause of the problem.
Surgical Incision: A small incision is made below the jawline to access the gland.
Removal of the Gland: The surgeon carefully separates the gland from surrounding tissues and removes it.
Protection of Nearby Nerves: Special care is taken to protect nearby nerves that control tongue movement and sensation.
Closing the Incision: The incision is closed with sutures and covered with a sterile dressing.
The procedure usually takes one to two hours, depending on the complexity of the condition.
Submandibular gland excision offers several important benefits.
Relief from Recurrent Pain: Removing the diseased gland eliminates repeated infections and pain.
Treatment of Salivary Stones: Surgery removes the source of duct obstruction.
Removal of Tumors: Surgical excision allows accurate diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland tumors.
Prevention of Future Complications: Removing the gland prevents repeated infections and swelling.
Improved Quality of Life: Patients often experience improved comfort during eating and speaking after recovery.
Recovery after submandibular gland excision is usually smooth when proper postoperative care is followed.
Patients are typically advised to:
Some swelling or mild discomfort may occur during the initial recovery period but usually improves within a few days.
Most patients return to normal daily activities within two to three weeks.
You should consult a doctor if you experience:
Early medical evaluation allows doctors to diagnose salivary gland disorders and recommend the appropriate treatment.
Ignoring symptoms may allow infections or tumors to progress.
Patients experiencing symptoms of salivary gland disorders should seek medical evaluation from an experienced surgeon.
Dr. Adil Shafi, Consultant General, Bariatric & Laparoscopic Surgeon, provides professional diagnosis and surgical treatment for salivary gland conditions in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. Each patient receives individualized care and treatment planning based on their specific medical condition.
With modern surgical techniques and patient-focused care, Dr. Adil Shafi aims to provide safe and effective treatment for salivary gland diseases.
Early consultation can help patients receive timely treatment and achieve better surgical outcomes.
Get straightforward information designed to support your needs and remove confusion around common medical concerns.
Submandibular gland excision is a procedure used to remove the submandibular salivary gland due to tumors, stones, or chronic infection.
The surgery may be required for salivary gland tumors, salivary stones, chronic gland infection, or swelling.
Yes, when performed by experienced surgeons, the procedure is safe and effective.
Patients typically recover within 2–3 weeks after surgery.
Patients can consult Dr. Adil Shafi for submandibular gland surgery in Islamabad and Rawalpindi.
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