Surgery Sensitive to Salivary Glands

Surgery Sensitive to Salivary Glands

The salivary glands are an essential part of the human body’s digestive system. They produce saliva, which helps in the digestion of food and also keeps the mouth moist. However, sometimes these glands can become problematic, leading to various health issues. In such cases, surgery may be required to remove or repair the affected gland. However, surgery sensitive to salivary glands requires a careful approach to avoid complications.

There are three major pairs of salivary glands in the human body: the parotid glands, the submandibular glands, and the sublingual glands. The parotid glands are the largest of the three and are located in front of the ears. The submandibular glands are located beneath the jawbone, and the sublingual glands are located beneath the tongue. These glands can become problematic due to various reasons, such as infections, tumors, or stones.

Surgery sensitive to salivary glands is a delicate procedure that requires a skilled surgeon. The surgery can be performed under local or general anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the procedure. The surgeon will make an incision in the affected area and carefully remove or repair the gland. The surgery can take anywhere from one to several hours, depending on the extent of the damage.

One of the most common surgeries sensitive to salivary glands is the removal of the parotid gland. This surgery is usually performed to remove a tumor or to treat chronic infections. The surgery involves making an incision in front of the ear and carefully removing the gland. The surgeon must be careful not to damage the facial nerve, which runs through the gland and controls facial movements.

Another surgery sensitive to salivary glands is the removal of the submandibular gland. This surgery is usually performed to remove a stone or to treat chronic infections. The surgery involves making an incision beneath the jawbone and carefully removing the gland. The surgeon must be careful not to damage the lingual nerve, which runs through the gland and controls tongue movements.

The sublingual gland is the least common gland to require surgery. However, when surgery is required, it is usually to remove a stone or to treat chronic infections. The surgery involves making an incision beneath the tongue and carefully removing the gland. The surgeon must be careful not to damage the sublingual duct, which carries saliva from the gland to the mouth.

Surgery sensitive to salivary glands can have various complications, such as bleeding, infection, or nerve damage. Therefore, it is essential to choose a skilled and experienced surgeon who has performed such surgeries before. The surgeon must also take precautions to avoid damaging the facial, lingual, or sublingual nerves, which can lead to facial paralysis, tongue paralysis, or difficulty speaking.

After the surgery, the patient may experience pain, swelling, and difficulty eating or speaking. The surgeon will prescribe pain medication and antibiotics to prevent infection. The patient must also follow a strict diet and avoid certain foods that can irritate the surgical site. The patient must also avoid smoking and alcohol, which can delay the healing process.

In conclusion, surgery sensitive to salivary glands is a delicate procedure that requires a skilled surgeon. The surgery can be performed to remove or repair the parotid, submandibular, or sublingual gland. The surgery can have various complications, such as bleeding, infection, or nerve damage. Therefore, it is essential to choose a skilled and experienced surgeon who has performed such surgeries before. The patient must also follow a strict diet and avoid certain foods that can irritate the surgical site. With proper care and follow-up, the patient can recover fully from the surgery and resume normal activities.