Which nerve is injured in submandibular gland surgery?

A lower branch of the facial nerve is the nerve most likely to be bruised in the removal of a submandibular gland. If bruising occurs it affects the movement of your lower lip, leading to a slightly crooked smile.

How is the submandibular gland removed?

The submandibular gland is removed under a general anaesthetic, ie you are put to sleep completely. The operation involves a cut around two inches long (5cm) in the upper part of the neck just below the jaw line. Once the gland has been removed the incision is held together again with stitches.

What happens if submandibular gland is removed?

Decreased movement of the tongue. This may happen due to a very rare damage of the hypoglossal nerve. Dry mouth is not expected. The removal of one submandibular gland will not have an impact on the amount of saliva that you produce.

Do sympathetic nerves innervate salivary glands?

There is variable sympathetic innervation between the salivary glands. On the whole, this system is far less important than the parasympathetic innervation in terms of regulating production of saliva.

What nerve innervates the submandibular gland?

The submandibular glands receive their parasympathetic input via the chorda tympani nerve, which is a branch of the facial nerve via the submandibular ganglion.

What nerves must be identified and preserved during an excision of the submandibular gland?

The facial vein will be identified on the lateral surface of the submandibular gland. Ligation and elevation of this vein will help to preserve the marginal mandibular nerve (Hayes-Martin maneuver) (see Fig.

What happens when salivary glands are removed?

With removal of the gland there can be some loss of bulk and minor asymmetry on that side. SEROMA/HEMATOMA: Occasionally fluid, blood, or saliva collects under the skin. If this occurs this may need to be drained either by needle aspiration, or opening a small area in the incision.

What happens when you get your salivary gland removed?

Possible risks and side effects of salivary gland surgery Most people will have some pain afterward, but this can usually be controlled with medicines. Damage to the facial nerve: If your facial nerve is damaged during surgery, you might lose control of your facial muscles on the side where the surgery was done.

How does the sympathetic nervous system affect the salivary glands?

The sympathetic nerve supply produces predominantly thicker mucous saliva mainly by the sublingual and partly the submandibular glands. This may occur when in certain situations, fear, stress or anger are aroused. This is also the case during hard physical exercise.

Are salivary glands sympathetic or parasympathetic?

All salivary glands are supplied by cholinergic parasympathetic nerves which release acetylcholine that binds to M3 and (to a lesser extent) M1 muscarinic receptors, evoking the secretion of saliva by acinar cells in the endpieces of the salivary gland ductal tree.

What is the parasympathetic innervation of the submandibular gland?

The submandibular glands receive their parasympathetic input via the chorda tympani nerve, which is a branch of the facial nerve via the submandibular ganglion. The nerve functions in a secretomotor capacity.