Procedure:
This is one of the glands used to provide
salivary fluid. It is situated on the side of the
neck. Its surgical removal may be necessary for
stone disease, chronic infection or tumour.
Risks of this procedure:
There are some risks/ complications, which
include:
(a) Important nerves run near this gland.
These nerves allow movement of the
tongue and provide sensation to the tongue.
Damage to the nerves is very rare but may
cause difficulty with the tongue. This may be
temporary or permanent.
(b) The incision may damage the lower branch
of the facial nerve with some drooping of the
lower face or lip. This may be temporary or
permanent.
(c) The scar may be thickened or discoloured
or painful.
(d) If a stone is removed from the duct which
goes from the gland to the mouth, there
may be a discharge from the opening in the
duct which is usually just beside the tongue
at the side. This usually settles in time..
(e) Increased risk in obese people of wound
infection, chest infection, heart and lung
complications and thrombosis.
(f) Increased risk in smokers of wound and
chest infections, heart and lung
complications and thrombosis.