Transoral versus transcervical approach to submandibular gland: techniques and outcomes

This study aims to evaluate the risks and benefits of the transoral approach for removal of the submandibular gland compared to the transcervical approach.

Twenty consecutive patients who underwent submandibular gland excision surgery via the transoral (6 males, 4 females; mean age 45.4 years) or transcervical (7 males, 3 females; mean age 44.1 years) approach between March 2009 and December 2014 were analyzed retrospectively. Age, surgical indications, complications, duration of hospitalization, and postoperative histopathological results were recorded and compared between two groups.

Of 20 patients, 35% were previously treated with antibiotics. There were no significantly differences in demographic characteristics and postoperative histopathological results between the groups (p<0.05). Duration of hospitalization was statistically shorter in the patients operated via transoral approach (p<0.05). Relapsing sialoadenitis occurred in a patient who was operated by transoral approach due to the incomplete resection of the gland.

The transoral approach for submandibular gland excision has several advantages over the transcervical approach in terms of cosmetic outcome, marginal mandibular nerve injury, and length of hospital stay.