The submandibular gland is removed under a general anaesthetic, i.e. you are put to sleep completely.
The operation involves a cut around two inches long (5cm) in the upper part of the neck just below the jaw line.
Once the gland has been removed the incision is held together again with stitches. These usually need to be removed around a week after surgery.
At the end of the operation a small tube is also placed through the skin into the underlying wound to drain any blood which may collect. This is usually removed on the morning following surgery.
