Intraoral removal of the submandibular gland: a new surgical approach.

The transcervical procedure used for treating sialolithiasis in the submandibular gland has been generally accepted by head and neck surgeons. However, several clinical problems after surgery through the transcervical approach have been described. We introduce a new surgical approach for excision of the submandibular gland indicated in the chronically inflamed salivary gland with or without calculus and benign mixed tumor of the submandibular gland. Thirty-one cases of submandibular gland excision through the intraoral approach were reviewed, analyzing surgical technique and morbidity. Early postoperative discomforts developed, such as a temporary lack of function of lingual nerve and a temporary limitation of tongue movement, but recovery was within a short period of time in all patients involved. No symptomatic late complications appeared, such as residual inflammation of Wharton's duct and neurologic sequelae. We suggest that this approach can be extended to the excision of the submandibular gland as an alternative to the transcervical approach. The major advantages of this approach are the avoidance of an external scar and injury to the marginal mandibular nerve or the hypoglossal nerve.