Removing a Submandibular Gland

Submandibular gland removal is a common surgery to take away one or both of your salivary glands under your jaw (mandible).

It is performed under general anaesthetic and takes up to an hour. Your surgeon makes a 5cm cut in the upper part of your neck just below the jawline to remove your submandibular gland. A tiny drain is placed in the surgical cut to allow excess fluid or blood to drain away. They close your wound with stitches.

If the submandibular gland is removed, swelling, infections and other symptoms of a problematic submandibular gland should stop.

The most common reason for a submandibular salivary gland to be removed is a blockage in your saliva duct. Saliva flows from the gland into your mouth through a saliva duct.

Other reasons to have a submandibular gland removed are infections and cancer.

Obstructions, infections and cancer in your submandibular gland can cause:

• a bad taste in your mouth
• difficulty opening your mouth
• a dry mouth
• face or mouth pain
• face or neck swelling

Submandibular gland surgery aims to resolve these symptoms.

The costs of removing the submandibular gland vary from patient to patient. They will depend on whether all or part of your submandibular gland is removed and your chosen Ramsay hospital.

If your submandibular gland is removed due to it being cancerous, you may require radiotherapy afterwards to try to kill any remaining cancer cells and this would have an additional cost.

You will be advised of your submandibular gland removal surgery costs following your consultation.

The costs to remove your submandibular gland are usually covered by medical insurance. We advise you get written confirmation from your insurance provider before your surgery.

If you are paying for yourself, we offer a variety of payment options including interest-free finance

You will normally have an overnight stay in the hospital after a submandibular gland surgery if you have a drain. Your drain is usually removed the day after your operation. If you do not need a drain, you may be able to go home the same day. You will need to arrange a lift home.

You can take over-the-counter pain relief if needed.

It is important that you follow your surgeon’s instructions for your wound care, including keeping it clean and dry, and not straining or lifting any heavy objects until your stitches are removed.

The stitches are usually removed seven to ten days after the operation. You can expect to return to work after that.

You should not do any exercise for one week after your surgery. After that regular exercise should help you to return to normal activities as soon as possible. Before you start exercising, you should ask a member of our healthcare team or your GP for advice.