Salivary gland surgery

The major salivary glands — the parotid, located in front of the ear, and the submandibular gland, under the jaw — can be the site of tumours, most often benign, or of stones responsible for painful swelling and repeated infections. Surgery consists of removing the diseased part of the gland, or even the entire gland depending on the nature of the lesion. Parotid surgery is a delicate procedure because the facial nerve, which controls the muscles of the face, runs through the gland: its preservation is the surgeon's absolute priority, assisted by facial nerve monitoring throughout the operation. The incisions are placed along the natural folds of the skin for a discreet aesthetic result. Every surgical specimen is analysed under the microscope to confirm the exact nature of the lesion. At Clinique Pasteur Tunis, salivary gland surgery is carried out by ENT surgeons experienced in neck surgery, with facial nerve monitoring and microsurgical instruments, for a precise and safe procedure.