Salivary Glands

Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to diagnose and treat problems within the salivary glands, such as blockages, infections, or stones. The salivary glands produce saliva, which helps with chewing, swallowing, and digestion. Sometimes, tiny stones or other issues can block the ducts that carry saliva into the mouth, causing pain and swelling. Sialendoscopy involves using a tiny, flexible camera called an endoscope, which is inserted into the salivary duct to allow the doctor to see inside and treat the problem without needing to make large cuts or incisions.

This procedure is often preferred because it’s less invasive than traditional surgery, which means there’s less pain, a shorter recovery time, and a lower risk of complications. During a sialendoscopy, the doctor can remove stones, clear blockages, dilate strictures, and even take small tissue samples if needed. I can be done under both general or local  anaesthesia. This makes sialendoscopy a safe and effective option for many patients who need treatment for salivary gland issues.

A parotidectomy is a surgical procedure to remove part or all of the parotid gland, which is one of the major salivary glands located just in front of and below the ear. This surgery is usually performed to remove tumours or growths within the parotid gland, which can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The parotid gland produces saliva that helps with digestion and keeps the mouth moist. When a tumour forms in this gland, it can cause swelling, pain, or facial weakness, and needs to be removed to prevent further complications. During a parotidectomy, the surgeon carefully removes the affected portion of the gland while taking care to avoid damaging the facial nerve, which runs through the parotid gland and controls facial movements. The surgery is typically done under general anaesthesia, so the patient is asleep and doesn’t feel any pain. After the surgery, most patients experience some swelling and discomfort, which gradually improves. Depending on the extent of the surgery, recovery can take a few weeks. The procedure is important for treating tumours and other issues in the parotid gland while preserving as much normal function as possible.

Excision of the submandibular glands is a surgical procedure to remove one or both of the submandibular glands, which are a pair of salivary glands located beneath the jaw, on either side of the neck. These glands are responsible for producing saliva that helps with digestion and keeping the mouth moist. The surgery is usually performed when there is a problem with the gland, such as a persistent infection, a blockage caused by salivary stones, or the presence of a tumour, which can be either benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

During the procedure, the surgeon makes an incision below the jawline to carefully remove the affected gland. The surgery is typically done under general anaesthesia, so the patient is asleep and doesn’t feel any pain. After the excision, most people experience some swelling and discomfort in the area, which can be managed with pain relief and usually improves over a few days. Removing the submandibular gland often resolves symptoms like pain, swelling, or difficulty swallowing, and in the case of tumours, helps prevent the spread of cancer or other complications. Most patients recover fully within a few weeks and can return to their normal activities.

​Transoral surgery for the excision of a plunging ranula is a procedure used to remove a type of cyst that forms under the tongue and can extend into the neck. A plunging ranula occurs when saliva from a salivary gland (sublingual gland) accumulates in the tissues beneath the mouth, creating a soft, swollen area. This condition can cause discomfort, swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, and sometimes problems with speech. Transoral surgery is performed through the mouth, meaning there are no external cuts, which helps reduce scarring and recovery time. During the surgery, the doctor makes an incision inside the mouth to access and remove the ranula and the affected salivary gland. This approach ensures that the cyst and its source are fully excised, helping to prevent the ranula from coming back. Since the surgery is performed entirely through the mouth, recovery is usually quicker and less painful than other surgical approaches. Most patients can return home the same day and resume normal activities within a few days, though they might need to follow a soft diet and avoid certain activities while the area heals.