Salivary gland removal

Salivary gland surgery (sialadenectomy) is needed when the gland cannot be saved: in tumours, frequent inflammation, multiple stones or cysts. Most often the submandibular gland or part of the parotid gland is removed. At UKRMED Maxillofacial Surgery, the operation is planned by surgeon Anna Kravchenko after thorough diagnosis, as important nerves run close to the glands.

When a salivary gland is removed

• Tumours. The most common benign tumour is pleomorphic adenoma. Benign salivary tumours grow slowly but can become malignant, so they are removed together with part of the gland.
• Chronic sialadenitis with frequent flare-ups when conservative treatment fails.
• Multiple or deep stones in the gland tissue that cannot be removed through the duct — see salivary duct stone removal.
• Cysts of the salivary glands.

Types of operation

• Submandibular gland excision — through an incision below the jaw in a natural skin crease.
• Parotidectomy — removal of the superficial part or the whole parotid gland, depending on the tumour's location. The incision runs in front of and behind the ear so the scar is barely visible.
• Partial removal — of the affected area only.

Safety: the facial nerve

Branches of the facial nerve, which control facial expression, pass through the parotid gland. The surgeon identifies and preserves them. A 2026 meta-analysis found that intraoperative facial nerve monitoring during parotidectomy halves the risk of temporary facial weakness right after surgery, especially in superficial parotid gland surgery. Near the submandibular gland, the surgeon likewise protects the facial nerve branch to the lower lip and the lingual and hypoglossal nerves.

Diagnosis

Before salivary gland removal surgery, the doctor orders ultrasound, CT or MRI and, if a tumour is suspected, a needle biopsy. This determines the extent of surgery. The removed tissue is always sent for histology.

The operation

1. General anaesthesia supervised by an anaesthesiologist.
2. An incision in a natural skin crease.
3. Dissection of the gland with nerve preservation.
4. Removal of the gland or part of it and control of bleeding.
5. A drain and cosmetic suturing.

Recovery

The drain is removed after one to two days and stitches after 7–10 days. Swelling and numbness near the scar are possible for a few weeks. Temporary weakness at the corner of the mouth usually resolves. The scar in a natural crease becomes inconspicuous over time, and scar correction can help if needed. Dry mouth is unusual: the other salivary glands compensate.

Salivary gland removal cost at UKRMED

The surgeon gives the cost after the examination — it depends on the gland, the extent of removal and the nature of the problem.

Sources

1. Buntain H., Thompson M., Perry C. F. et al. The Impact of Intraoperative Facial Nerve Monitoring During Parotidectomy on Postoperative Facial Nerve Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. ANZ J Surg, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1111/ans.70861
2. Althobaiti M., Amin M. U., Elbana A. et al. Sialendoscopy in the management of obstructive sialadenitis: clinical experience and treatment outcomes. Ann Saudi Med, 2026. https://doi.org/10.5144/0256-4947.2026.287