WHEN IT’S TIME TO REMOVE THE SALIVARY GLANDS

Problems with the salivary gland can range from mild to sever. Large, chronic salivary stones and infections can hinder day-to-day activities such as eating and drinking. There are a number of highly effective treatment options, but in rare cases these fail to produce permanent results. If this occurs, the complete removal of the affected salivary gland might be optioned.

Salivary stones affect about one in one hundred adults worldwide. The earliest symptoms are a varied level of pain. Small stones aren’t necessarily painful at all. Early stage stones might not cause any noticeable symptoms. Pain is most common during eating and drinking, and can be very severe if the stones are larger in size. Because the stone is blocking the duct that allows the flow of saliva, another red flag symptom is extreme dry mouth. In serious cases, patients might experience fever and chills. If any of the symptoms arise, the patient should contact an Ear, Throat, and Nose specialist.

Surface level salivary glands can be detected by a standard physical examination. The stone will appear lodged in the duct. Stones that lay deep inside to duct will have to be inspected with an x-ray or CT scan. Once diagnosed the doctor can assign a treatment plan. If the stone is small enough the doctor may have the patient increase fluid intake and massage the affected gland. The fluid can cause the stone to dissolve and reduce in size, and massaging can dislodge is completely. This treatment plan, coupled with a round of antibiotics might be enough to remove the stone completely.

It these at home treatments do not produce results, the patient maybe referred to a surgeon. The salivary stone can be removed with a surgical procedure called a sialendoscopy. This is a minimally invasive operation that involves using a small tube to enter the duct and remove the stone. This is an outpatient procedure with no scarring and little to no hindrance to daily routine. Patients might experience some pain or discomfort following the operation, but this is common and temporary.

If all of these treatment options are attempted, and salivary stones recur, the condition will be labeled chronic and complete removal of the salivary glands may be advised. This surgery is performed with an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist and a neck surgeon. Most salivary stones affect the submandibular glands, but in rare cases it can target the parotid glands. Other reasons to remove the gland include tumors and infections of the salivary glands. The glands are removed with the use of minimally invasive surgery, allowing low amounts of pain and speedy recovery. Minimally invasive surgery also reduces the risk of complications during and after the procedure.

Recovery from the surgery can be painful for a few days after the procedure, but the doctor will be able to prescribe effective medicines to comfort the patient. Salivary gland removal is a permanent way to prevent stone and infection recurrence.