Surgical Excision of the Submandibular Gland

A variety of pathology commonly affects the salivary glands including both benign and malignant tumors as well as infectious and inflammatory disease. Although newer techniques including sialo-endoscopy are emerging for the treatment of inflammatory and obstructive disorders, excision of the submandibular gland remains the treatment of choice for tumors of the submandibular gland and remains an important option for the treatment of refractory inflammatory disease. Relevant surgical anatomy, perioperative management, surgical technique, and possible complications are discussed.