Evaluation of intraoperative frozen section for submandibular gland surgery

Different pathologies of the submandibular gland are an indication for submandibular gland excision – ranging from inflammatory causes to malignant tumors. The purpose of this study was to get an overview of the indications for submandibular gland excision. In addition there was a special focus on the usage of intraoperative frozen section for tumors of the submandibular gland. In this retrospective study data we analyzed all submandibular gland excisions during the last 20 years (ranging from 2002 to 2021) with primary diseases and pathologies of the submandibular gland as the cause. In addition epidemiological information and therapy concepts were investigated with a special focus on cases, in which intraoperative frozen section was performed and its impact on the therapy concepts. During the period of observation 359 submandibular gland excisions were performed, not including operations, during which the submandibular gland was removed while not being the primary cause for the surgery (for example neck dissection in Level Ib). The most common cause for submandibular gland excision were sialolithiasis (n = 129) and inflammatory causes (n = 115, in particular chronic submandibular sialadenitis). In 115 cases surgery was performed for tumors of the submandibular gland, with 18 of them being malignant. Intraoperative frozen section was performed in 54 case. In 50 of these 54 cases the classification of the masses into benign and malignant lesions by the Intraoperative frozen section was correct. This retrospective study of a large cohort of patients displays a representative overview of the indications for submandibular gland excision. Intraoperative frozen section allows an intraoperative adjustment to the surgical approach and can reduce revision rates.

Publication History

Article published online:
12 May 2023