Η υπογναθεκτομή αποτελεί τη χειρουργική επέμβαση κατά την οποία αφαιρείται ο υπογνάθιος σιελογόνος αδένας σε καλοήθεις και κακοήθεις παθήσεις αυτού. Ο Professor George Psychogios is a specialized Neck Surgeon with extensive experience in surgery of the parotid gland, the submandibular gland, the remaining salivary glands and the thyroid gland. With the improvement of surgical technology and technique, submandibular surgery is performed safely, respecting the adjacent anatomical structures, with the aim of restoring the patient's health and daily life.

Anesthesia: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia with appropriate analgesia, to reduce postoperative pain and ensure patient comfort during and after the surgery.

Indications: Submandibularectomy is indicated in cases of chronic or recurrent inflammation with lesions of the submandibular gland, in the presence of stones that cannot be treated with sialendoscopy and that cause obstruction and repeated episodes of pain and swelling, in benign tumors of the gland (usually pleomorphic adenoma), as well as in cases of suspected or diagnosed malignancy.

Duration of the surgery: The duration of the submandibularectomy usually ranges from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of the gland, the presence of inflammation or stones that may complicate the operation and the existence of adhesions in the area. The goal is to safely complete the operation while protecting adjacent nerves, such as the facial, hypoglossal and lingual nerves, as well as vessels such as the facial artery and vein. In some cases, it's useful the intraoperative neurostimulation/neuromonitoring.  

Preoperative examination: Before the operation, a complete blood count and ultrasound or MRI imaging are performed to detect stones or tumors. If malignancy is suspected, a fine needle aspiration for cytological evaluation or core biopsy for pathological evaluation may be performed. If necessary, a cardiological or pulmonary examination is performed to ensure the safety of anesthesia.

Postoperative monitoring: Hospitalization usually lasts less than 24 hours. The patient is mobilized and fed a few hours after the operation, while the pain is mild and treated with analgesics. A small drain is usually placed to avoid blood or saliva collection, which is removed the next day. Postoperatively, the mobility of the lower lip and tongue is checked, while the area is monitored for any swelling or inflammation. The sutures are usually removed in 5 to 7 days.

Possible complications: Complications are rare and may include temporary weakness of the lower lip due to irritation of the facial nerve, temporary numbness of the tongue due to irritation of the lingual nerve, as well as blood or saliva collection, which is treated with drainage.

Aesthetic result: The incision is made under the jaw in a natural fold of the skin, and with the appropriate plastic suture, an excellent aesthetic result is ensured, without visible scars, maintaining excellent aesthetics of the area.

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