Pediatric trans-oral submandibular gland excision: A safe and effective technique

Introduction In the pediatric population the submandibular gland requires removal in a number of conditions including, refractory recurrent sialoadenitis, sialolithiasis, salivary gland neoplasms and debilitating sialorrhea. In comparison to the traditional trans-cervical approach, the trans-oral route avoids a cervical scar, potential keloid formation and decreased risk of injury to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. This approach also eliminates the potentiality of remnant duct disease since the entire duct and papillae are removed. The article demonstrates the appropriateness of this method in the pediatric population and discusses the anatomy and technique. Methods Retrospective review of ten pediatric patients who underwent trans-oral submandibular gland excision, the series was analyzed for age, gender, indication for procedure, complications, length of hospitalization, and postoperative pathology. Patients were followed for a minimum of 12 months. Results 7 females and 3 males aged 9 to 17 underwent the procedure. Recurrent sialoadenitis, and sialolithiasis, accounted for 6 cases while salivary neoplasms (pleomorphic adenoma) accounted for 4 cases. No patient suffered vessel or nerve injury and no patient showed recurrent disease at 12 months follow-up. All glands were completely removed and no patient required conversion to the trans-cervical approach. Conclusions Trans-oral submandibular gland excision is safe and effective in the pediatric population. This method avoids a cervical scar, avoids injury to the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve, and completely removes the duct, eliminating the potentiality of remnant duct disease. The authors have performed ten trans-oral submandibular gland excisions in pediatric patients without complications.