Overview
The salivary glands produce saliva, which helps with digestion, swallowing, speaking, and maintaining oral health. Problems affecting these glands can cause swelling, pain, infection, stones, or abnormal growths.
Salivary Gland Surgery is a specialised ENT procedure used to treat conditions affecting the major salivary glands, including the parotid, submandibular, and, in selected cases, sublingual glands. The choice of treatment depends on the underlying condition, its location, and the patient’s overall health.
What Is Salivary Gland Surgery?
Salivary gland surgery involves removing or treating diseased or abnormal tissue within a salivary gland. Surgery may be recommended for persistent salivary gland stones, recurrent infections, cysts, benign tumours, or suspected malignant tumours.
Whenever possible, modern surgical techniques aim to treat the underlying problem while preserving healthy gland tissue and important surrounding structures.
Conditions That May Require Surgery
Salivary gland surgery may be considered for:
- Salivary gland stones (sialolithiasis)
- Recurrent salivary gland infections
- Blockage of salivary ducts
- Recurrent swelling of the salivary glands
- Salivary gland cysts
- Benign salivary gland tumours
- Suspected or confirmed salivary gland cancers
- Chronic inflammation of the salivary glands
- Other structural abnormalities of the salivary glands
Types of Salivary Gland Surgery
Parotid Gland Surgery
The parotid glands are located on either side of the face, in front of and below the ears. Surgery may be required for tumours or other conditions affecting the parotid gland.
Depending on the location and nature of the lesion, a surgeon may perform a partial or superficial parotidectomy, or a more extensive procedure when clinically necessary.
Submandibular Gland Surgery
The submandibular glands are located beneath the lower jaw. Surgery may be recommended for recurrent stones, chronic infection, obstruction, or tumours affecting the gland.
Sublingual Gland Surgery
The sublingual glands are located beneath the tongue. Selected cystic or other conditions involving these glands may require surgical treatment.
Salivary Gland Stone Removal
Small or accessible stones may sometimes be removed using minimally invasive techniques. In selected cases, sialendoscopy can be used to examine the salivary duct and remove stones while preserving the affected gland.
Sialendoscopy
Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive technique in which a very small endoscope is introduced into the salivary duct. It allows the ENT specialist to identify blockages, stones, and duct abnormalities directly.
Depending on the condition, sialendoscopy may help remove stones or widen narrowed ducts while avoiding removal of the entire salivary gland in suitable patients.
Evaluation Before Surgery
A thorough assessment is performed before recommending surgery. Evaluation may include:
Detailed medical and symptom history ENT and oral examination Ultrasound examination CT or MRI scan when required Fine-needle aspiration or other tissue sampling for selected masses Salivary duct evaluation or sialendoscopy in appropriate casesThe results help determine the most suitable treatment approach.
Book an Appointment
If you or a loved one experiences loud snoring, interrupted sleep, or excessive daytime sleepiness, consult an experienced ENT specialist for a comprehensive evaluation. Early diagnosis and personalised treatment can help you enjoy healthier, safer, and more restful sleep.
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Is loud snoring always a sign of sleep apnoea?
No. While loud snoring is a common symptom, not everyone who snores has sleep apnoea. However, persistent snoring with breathing pauses should be evaluated.
Is Obstructive Sleep Apnoea dangerous?
Yes. If left untreated, OSA can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, diabetes, and daytime accidents.
Can Obstructive Sleep Apnoea be cured?
Many patients can achieve excellent control or complete resolution depending on the underlying cause, weight management, CPAP therapy, or appropriate surgery.
How is sleep apnoea diagnosed?
The most reliable test is a sleep study (Polysomnography), which records breathing, oxygen levels, heart rate, and sleep patterns overnight.
Who is at higher risk for OSA?
People who are overweight, have enlarged tonsils, nasal obstruction, a family history of OSA, or chronic snoring are at increased risk.
Is surgery necessary for every patient?
No. Surgery is recommended only when anatomical blockage contributes significantly to the condition or when non-surgical treatments are ineffective or unsuitable.