A traumatic salivary duct injury is a serious complication of a deep cut or laceration to the cheek, where the tube that carries saliva into the mouth is severed. This is a surgical emergency that requires immediate and highly specialized repair to prevent long-term complications like chronic swelling or saliva leaking from the skin. As a specialist Head and Neck surgeon, Dr. Naveed Basheeth is an expert in the microsurgical techniques required to meticulously repair these complex facial injuries.
What happens if the duct injury is missed and not repaired?
If the injury is not repaired, the saliva will continue to leak. It will either collect under the skin to form a persistent, painful swelling (sialocele) that often gets infected, or it will create a permanent channel to the skin surface (fistula) with constant saliva dribbling down your cheek. Both are difficult to manage and require much more complex delayed surgery.
What is the stent made of and is it uncomfortable?
The stent is a very fine, soft, and flexible silicone tube. It is placed to keep the repaired duct from scarring shut. While you may be aware of the small tube inside your cheek, it is generally well-tolerated and is not painful. Its role in ensuring a successful repair is essential.
Is there a risk to the nerves in my face?
Yes. The nerves that control your facial movements run very close to the parotid duct. A deep cut that injures the duct can also injure these nerve branches. During the repair, Dr. Basheeth takes extreme care to identify, preserve, and if necessary, repair any injured nerve branches to ensure the best possible functional recovery.
How soon after the injury does the repair need to happen?
The repair should be performed as soon as possible, ideally within the first 24-48 hours after the injury. An acute repair, when the tissue is fresh and the duct ends are easier to find, has a much higher success rate than attempting a delayed repair on scarred, inflamed tissue.