Preparing for surgery

Prepare for the surgery as you've been instructed. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines you take. This includes over-the-counter medicines. It also includes herbs and other supplements. You may need to stop taking certain ones before surgery as advised by your provider. Also follow any directions you’re given for not eating or drinking before surgery.

The day of surgery

The surgery takes 45 minutes or longer. You'll be asked to sign an informed consent. Signing this form means you agree to the surgery. Make sure all your questions are answered before you sign.

Before the surgery 

Here's what to expect before the surgery begins:

• An IV (intravenous) line is put into a vein in your arm or hand. This line delivers fluids and medicines.

• You'll be given medicine (anesthesia) to keep you pain-free during the surgery. This will be general anesthesia. It puts you into a state like deep sleep during the surgery.

During the surgery

Here's what to expect during the surgery:

• A cut is made in the upper part of the neck, just below the jawline, under the chin, behind the ear, or in the mouth.

• Nearby muscles, nerves, and blood vessels are moved out of the way to expose the gland.

• Great care is taken to protect the branch of the facial nerve that lies near the submandibular gland. A facial nerve monitor may be used to map the exact location of this nerve. This is a machine with a small sensor that is put onto your cheek.

• The gland is removed.

• If a cancerous tumor is present, a margin of tissue around the gland is also removed. Nearby lymph nodes may be removed as well.

• When the procedure is done, the cut is closed with stitches, surgical glue, or surgical strips.

• A tube (drain) may be placed into the surgical area. This drains fluid that may build up after surgery. The drain may be removed before you leave the hospital. If not, you'll be shown how to care for it at home.

• You may be given a shot (injection) of local anesthesia. This helps prevent pain after surgery.

Recovering in the hospital

After the surgery, you'll be taken to a room to wake up from the anesthesia. At first, your throat will feel very sore. It may be hard to talk and swallow. You may also feel sleepy and nauseated from the anesthesia. You'll be given medicine that controls pain. You may need to stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 nights. Once you're ready to leave the hospital, you'll be released to an adult family member or friend.

Recovering at home

Have someone stay with you for the next few days to help care for you as your healing begins. Once at home, follow the instructions you have been given. During your recovery:

• Take any prescribed medicines as advised.

• Follow up with your surgeon as advised.

• Care for your cut as advised. Check it daily for symptoms of infection, like increased redness, pain, swelling, drainage, or warmth.

• Swallowing may be difficult for a few days. Eat and drink what feels most comfortable. If it hurts to chew, stick to soft foods. Try ice cream, gelatin, eggs, pasta, and mashed potatoes. Don't eat hot, spicy, acidic, hard, or crunchy foods.

• Get up and walk each day. This helps improve blood flow and breathing and promotes healing. But don't do strenuous activities or exercise for 7 days after surgery.

When to call your healthcare provider

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of these:

• Fever of 100.4° F ( 38° C) or higher, or as directed by your healthcare provider

• Symptoms of infection at an incision site, like increased redness or swelling, warmth, worsening pain, or bad-smelling drainage

• Swallowing problems that get worse

• Increasing throat pain or pain that is not relieved by medicine

• Tongue numbness or inability to move the tongue

• Weakness of the mouth or lower lip

• New symptoms

Call 911

Call 911 right away if you have:

• Chest pain

• Trouble breathing

Follow-up

Follow up with your healthcare provider as advised to check on your healing. If cancer was removed, you may need more treatment. If this is the case, you and your provider will discuss your options.

Risks and possible complications

Risks of this procedure include:

• Bleeding

• Infection

• Hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin)

• Scarring

• Problems speaking or swallowing (can be temporary or permanent)

• Tongue numbness (can be temporary or permanent)

• Damage to the facial nerve, leading to permanent weakness of the mouth and lip on that side

• Risks of anesthesia. You will discuss these with the anesthesiologist.