Smith W P, Peters W J, Markus A F
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Poole General Hospital, Dorset.
Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 1993 May;75(3):164-7.
A series of 86 patients who underwent submandibular gland surgery were reviewed retrospectively. Of the 92 glands excised, non-neoplastic disease accounted for 96% of cases. Preoperative clinical findings were inconsistent such that early surgery should be considered for an enlarged non-tender submandibular gland. The incidence of temporary paresis of the lower branches of the facial nerve was 36% with full recovery, on average, 4 months after surgery. The low 'non-identification' approach to the submandibular gland appears to be the technique which offers the least likelihood of permanent damage to the lower branches of the facial nerve.