Sialocele of Submandibular Gland, an Unreported Complication of Bilateral Sagittal Split Osteotomy

Abstract

Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy is a routine procedure with predictable and well-known complications. The authors report a thitherto unreported complication of bilateral sagittal split osteotomy presenting as a postoperative sialocele of submandibular salivary gland tissue in the floor of the mouth. The sialocele was probably caused by overinstrumentation and injury to sublingual salivary tissues or Wharton's duct during bicortical drilling or screw fixation. This iatrogenic sialocele was managed conservatively with multiple aspiration and compression dressings. Although rare and unreported so far this complication may be included in the preoperative consent process.