title: Removal of the submandibular gland using a combined retroauricular and transoral approach.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the feasibility and outcome of a combined retroauricular and transoral approach for removing the submandibular gland.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirteen patients underwent removal of benign submandibular gland lesions (6 sialoadenitis with sialolithiasis, 4 chronic sialoadenitis, and 3 pleomorphic adenomas) using a combined retroauricular and intraoral approach.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All 13 submandibular sialoadenectomies were successful and all of the wounds healed uneventfully. A temporary deficit of the lingual nerve developed in 2 cases and mild limited movement of the tongue developed in 3 cases. No patient suffered from weakness of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve. The follow-up averaged 14.1 months (range, 6-24 months); no tumors recurred. The incision scars were invisible.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Submandibular gland resection using a combined retroauricular and transoral approach is a feasible method for benign submandibular gland lesions that provides an acceptable cosmetic outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China. drchen@vip.163.com
authors.forename: Wei-liang
authors.initials: WL
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Zhao-hui
authors.initials: ZH
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Yong-jie
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.forename: Zhi-quan
authors.initials: ZQ
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.forename: You-yuan
authors.initials: YY
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000601:surgery*; D013364:Submandibular Gland Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome