Recurrent calculus formation following removal of the submandibular salivary gland

Three cases are presented in which calculi appear to have reformed in the submandibular duct many years after the total removal of the submandibular gland. The basis for this is presumed to be the existence of communications between the sublingual glandular complex and the remaining submandibular duct.

Salivary glands

A review of the more common inflammatory and neoplastic conditions affecting salivary glands has been presented. The use of hydration, massage, antibiotics, and steroids is effective initial treatment for suppurative sialadenitis and usually negates the need for surgical drainage. Total excision of the salivary gland and its duct is necessary in procedures for recurrent infection. Our technique for closure of the floor of the mouth after excision of the submandibular gland and Wharton's duct is described. Salivary neoplasms involving the parotid gland, the submandibular gland, and the minor salivary glands are treated on the basis of their histologic and local findings. Stepwise illustrations of our technique of parotidectomy and surgical considerations, including the counseling of a patient with a parotid mass, are presented to assist surgeons who care for patients with salivary disorders.

Long-term follow-up of the effect of tympanic neurectomy on sialadenosis and recurrent parotitis

We examined the effect of tympanic neurectomy on the clinical symptoms and secretory function of the parotids in 13 patients with chronic parotitis or sialadenosis for 3 years. Each patient had significantly fewer complaints immediately after the surgery. In quite a few patients the improvement was transient only. Three years after neurectomy 3 of the 10 examined patients were free from complaints and 4 further patients had less severe complaints than before the surgery. Neurectomy was followed by a significant decrease in parotid flow rate and an increase in the sodium concentration of parotid saliva, while potassium concentration showed a slight decrease. Three years after the surgery the flow rate and the sodium concentration were moderately higher than before that. There was a significant, long-lasting change in the amylase activity of parotid saliva; 3 years after neurectomy it attained one-third of the preoperative value. A pharmacological test, carried out 3 years after neurectomy in 2 patients, suggested parasympathetic reinnervation of the parotid.

Sialography and CT-sialography in the diagnosis of parotid masses

Parotid masses were evaluated by sialography and CT-sialography in 22 patients. Nineteen were benign tumors and one a metastasis. All were identified by CT. Two patients with sialoadenitis were misinterpreted at CT. All benign tumors appeared as lobulated, sharply marginated masses, embedded in displaced glandular parenchyma. The metastasis was lobulated, irregular and located within the gland. With sialography, 17 tumors were identified and 3 small superficial tumors overlooked. Both patients with sialoadenitis were diagnosed by sialography. CT-sialography is recommended in patients with suggested parotid masses, and sialography in suggested inflammatory disease.

Subtotal parotidectomy in the treatment of chronic sialadenitis

Chronic recurrent parotitis can be disabling, and often requires surgery for its resolution. Twenty-one patients with chronic sialadenitis treated by subtotal parotidectomy were studied. Two patients developed transient and one significant postoperative recurrent parotitis, and two patients had salivary fistulas. There were no instances of permanent facial nerve weakness. Parotidectomy in patients with severe chronic sialadenitis risks injury to the facial nerve. When the nerve is indistinguishable from surrounding scar, subtotal parotidectomy would appear to be preferable to total parotidectomy in select patients. Total parotidectomy is the procedure of choice for elimination of chronic sialadenitis when it can be performed with minimal risk to the facial nerve.

Salivary calculi as an aetiological factor in chronic sialadenitis of the submandibular gland

During 1960-1975, 115 submandibular glands were removed for reasons other than neoplasia at the Ear, Nose and Throat department, Karolinska sjukhuset, Stockholm. The material was retrospectively analysed with regard to clinical and histopathological findings. The patients, 62 men and 52 women aged 13-77 years, exhibited in all cases but one a chronic sialadenitis. Salivary calculi were found in 82% of the patients. In one patient a mucous retention cyst was found. Microscopically some cases exhibited only a slight periductal inflammation, while others showed a complete destruction of the gland architecture. The duration of symptoms of the whole group before surgery varied from 1 week to 55 years but with a median value of almost 1 year. The conclusion of this study is that salivary calculus is the most important indication for removal of submandibular gland, for reasons other than neoplasia.

Management of buccal space masses

Lesions in the substance of the cheek--the buccal space--may present diagnostic and management difficulties. The buccal space, that potential fascia space lying within the bulk of the cheek, is anatomically described. While the history and physical characteristics of the buccal mass and selected radiographic and special procedures may suggest a specific cause, the diagnosis is often elusive and requires removal of the mass for histologic evaluation. The surgical approach to a mass in the cheek is governed by its location within the buccal space and by the index of suspicion of malignancy. The preauricular, submandibular approach is the authors' choice for most buccal space lesions. Five case reports are presented to illustrate features in the diagnosis and management of a buccal space mass.

Obstructive sialadenitis

The value of all the procedures which have been described for the investigation of disorders of the major salivary glands is discussed in so far as they aided the management of one bizarre case of obstructive submandibular sialadenitis. In particular an unusual indication for salivary gland scanning is also suggested.