Garcia-Serrano G, Moñux A, Maranillo E, Simon C, Sanudo JR, Vázquez MT, Acero J. Vascular clinical anatomy of the submandibular gland.
J Craniomaxillofac Surg 2020;
48:582-589. [PMID:
32389551 DOI:
10.1016/j.jcms.2020.04.004]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study is to describe in depth the precise anatomy of the vascular supply of the submandibular gland, trying to determine the existence of patterns of glandular vascularization. Knowledge of these patterns could facilitate surgical management of the gland and the submandibular gland flap.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Neck dissections of formaldehyde preserved human cadavers were performed. Submandibular and transmandibular approaches were used during the dissections. All the vascular branches found were registered and classified into 2groups: main or accessory branches. The anatomical data analyzed was: The diameter and length of the main and accessory branches, as well as the most important measurements of the submandibular gland flap pedicle.
RESULTS
33 glands were dissected to study the arterial supply of the submandibular gland (17 right, 16 left; 17 males, 16 females) and 29 were dissected to study the venous supply (15 left, 14 right; 15 males,14 females). A total of 123 arterial branches were found reaching the 33 submandibular glands (47 main and 76 accessories) and 116 venous branches were found draining the 29 submandibular glands (47 main branches and 69 accessory branches). A constant main venous branch that ran parallel to the Wharton duct and drained in the sublingual vein was found in all of cases (Concomitant Wharton Duct Vein or CWDV).
CONCLUSION
The CWDV is a constant venous branch for the drainage of the gland and should be considered as venous pedicle during the dissection of submandibular gland flaps.
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