Submandibular Gland Resection Research Articles

Update: Prevention and Treatment of Parotid/Submandibular Gland Fistula/Sialocele Following Rhytidectomy with Botulinum Toxin A.

Dissecting deep to the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, SMAS, a popular option for facelifts, has the potential for injury to the parotid gland leading to post operative sialoceles and fistulas. Similarly, deep plane procedures in the neck which include partial submandibular gland resection may lead to salivary gland leaks. We previously described the management of sialocele following rhytidectomy.1 Since then, administration of Botulinum toxin A has emerged as the primary treatment and prevention of this rare complication. The technique of administration and dosage of botulinum toxin in the treatment algorithm is not well-defined. We present a literature review and our current protocol of the most efficacious injection technique and dosing to prevent and treat injury to the parotid and submandibular glands.

Clinical application of retroauricular hairline approach in submandibular gland resection assisted by endoscope

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of retroauricular hairline approach in submandibular gland resection assisted by endoscope. Methods:A total of 18 patients with submandibular gland benign tumors treated in our hospital from September 2022 to September 2023 were selected. A 5 cm incision was designed in the retroauricular hairline, and the flap was turned over directly to the anterior edge of sternocleidomastoid muscle, then the flap was turned over to build the cavity through endoscopic surgery, and submandibular gland resection was completed with the assistance of endoscope. After operation, a negative pressure drainage was placed into the hairline, and the wound was closed by continuous intracutaneous suture. The clinical effect was evaluated after 3-6 months follow-up. Results:All patients underwent submandibular gland resection with endoscopic assistance as planned, and none of them converted to submaxillary incision during operation. The operation time was 65-97 min, with an average of 75 min. Intraoperative bleeding was 10-20 mL, with an average of 14 mL.No tongue numbness, wound infection, or tumor recurrence occurred after operation. However, there were 10 patients with ear numbness and discomfort of auricle after surgery, which gradually recovered after 6-9 months of follow-up. Two patients had crooked mouth after surgery, and the symptoms were gradually relieved after follow-up. All incisions healed in stage I and were concealed. Conclusion:Endoscopic retroauricular hairline approach is a choice for submandibular gland resection with good cosmetic effect, less trauma and fewer complications.

THE USE OF NERVE MONITORIZATION IN PAROTID, SUBMANDIBULAR GLAND AND FACIAL SURGERY AND ITS EFFECT ON PROGNOSIS

Objective: The facial nerve and its branches are at risk during facial surgery. The surgery with the highest risk is parotid and submandibular gland surgery. An attempt was made to determine threshold values in terms of paralysis in nerve monitoring parameters. These determined values could not be used to predict facial nerve function after surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the parameters detected by nerve stimulation during surgery and postoperative facial nerve dysfunction in patients who underwent parotid and submandibular gland surgery. Material and Methods: A total of 29 facial nerve branches of 13 patients who underwent superficial parotidectomy or submandibular gland resection were examined. Patients were examined in two groups: those who did not develop paralysis after surgery and those who developed paralysis or sequelae. The relationship between the patient's pre- and postoperative House-Brackmann staging and potential changes detected during surgery was investigated. Results: Paralysis was detected in 8 of 29 nerves that were stimulated, and the affected branches were the cervicofacial branch and the marginal mandibular branch. No difference was observed in the mean threshold stimulation values and responses determined before, during and at the end of dissection between patients who developed paralysis and those who did not. Conclusion: Unlike the literature, it is determined that no electrophysiological measurement result can predict the postoperative phase as a result of ROC-curve analysis and logistic regression analysis. It is thought that these results are caused by the fact that the developing paralysis is at low stages and heal within one month.

Evaluation of a newly developed oral and maxillofacial surgical robotic platform (KD-SR-01) in head and neck surgery: a preclinical trial in porcine models

Traditional open head and neck surgery often leaves permanent scars, significantly affecting appearance. The emergence of surgical robots has introduced a new era for minimally invasive surgery. However, the complex anatomy of the head and neck region, particularly the oral and maxillofacial areas, combined with the high costs associated with established systems such as the da Vinci, has limited the widespread adoption of surgical robots in this field. Recently, surgical robotic platform in China has developed rapidly, exemplified by the promise shown by the KangDuo Surgical Robot (KD-SR). Although the KD-SR has achieved some results comparable to the da Vinci surgical robot in urology and colorectal surgery, its performance in complex head and neck regions remains untested. This study evaluated the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of the newly developed KD-SR-01, comparing it with standard endoscopic systems in head and neck procedures on porcine models. We performed parotidectomy, submandibular gland resection, and neck dissection, collected baseline characteristics, perioperative data, and specifically assessed cognitive workload using the NASA-TLX. None of the robotic procedures were converted to endoscopic or open surgery. The results showed no significant difference in operation time between the two groups (P = 0.126), better intraoperative bleeding control (P = 0.001), and a significant reduction in cognitive workload (P < 0.001) in the robotic group. In conclusion, the KD-SR-01 is feasible, effective, and safe for head and neck surgery. Further investigation through well-designed clinical trials with long-term follow-up is necessary to establish the full potential of this emerging robotic platform.

Radiation-induced xerostomia and cariogenic dietary habits

PurposeDespite the availability of various prevention methods, dental caries continue to be diagnosed in patients receiving head and neck radiotherapy (RT). Since conventional approaches do not evaluate posttreatment alterations in dietary behaviors, we aimed to assess the influence of radiation-induced xerostomia on post-RT cariogenic dietary habits in patients.MethodsFifty-seven patients completed the Xerostomia Questionnaire (XQ) and answered questions regarding daily cariogenic food and beverage (CFB) intake, daily tooth brushing, fluoride application, and subjective total taste acuity (STTA). They also underwent evaluations to determine the Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) score, Saxon test score, number of decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT), and proportion of DMFT to the test teeth (DMFT rate). Clinical records were searched for information regarding RT modalities, including the median of the mean dose to the parotid glands, days after the completion of RT, submandibular gland resection, whole-neck irradiation, and the DMFT value and rate before RT. The patients were divided into low and high XQ score groups based on the median XQ score of 47.5 for the two sample tests. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were used to identify independent factors for frequent CFB intake.ResultsHigher XQ scores were associated with a significantly greater frequency of CFB intake (p = 0.028*). Regression analysis also identified a higher XQ score (p = 0.017*) as an independent risk factor for frequent CFB intake.ConclusionRadiation-induced xerostomia increased the frequency of CFB intake.

A Case of Follicular Dendritic Cell Sarcoma in Submandibular Region

Follicular dendritic cell sarcoma (FDCS) is rare lymphoid sarcoma occurs anywhere in body, mostly in lymph nodes. Sixty-two-year-old man presented left submandibular gland region mass for 5 months. Mass excision with submandibular gland resection was performed. Histopathology showed proliferation of spindle and ovoid cells with storiform arrangement which were positive for CD21, CD23, Vimentin, Ki-67, suggested FDCS in submandibular gland region lymph node. Tumor size was 3cm with no involvement of resection margin, nor cellular atypia and necrosis, so regular follow up was performed. After 4 years, new enhancing mass in left submandibular area was found. Wide excision of mass with neck dissection on left level I-III was performed. Histopathology confirmed recurrence of FDCS. The patient underwent radiation therapy from left mandible to hyoid area. After 2 years, new nodule was found in left lung upper lobe, and wedge resection confirmed metastasis of FDCS. The patient is on adjuvant chemotherapy.

Immunological characteristics of IgG4-related Kuttner tumors.

Immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) has recently been well recognized and Kuttner tumor is known to be a chronic sclerosing sialadenitis, representing the focal manifestation of IgG4-RD, in the submandibular gland (SMG). This study is to evaluate the immunologic features of IgG4-related Kuttner tumor in the SMG. We retrospectively chose 13 patients who were confirmed as having Kuttner tumor by surgical biopsy between May 2012 and January 2019. The fine-needle aspiration cytology, serum antibody levels (anti-Ro antibodies, anti-La antibodies), IgG serum levels (total IgG and IgG4), and immunohistochemical findings for IgG and IgG4-positive plasma cells were reviewed. The cytologic results found that 7 of the 9 cases were reported as chronic sialoadenitis, and the other 3 as benign lymphoproliferative lesion. The serum levels of autoantibodies, Sjögren-syndrome-related antigen A/Ro-Ab and Sjögren-syndrome-related antigen A/Ro-La, showed all normal values of serum level. The serum level of IgG was increased in only 4 among the cases. However, the IgG4 levels were significantly increased in 11 among the cases. In all the patients who received resection of SMG, immunohistochemical findings showed all positive for IgG4-RD, with elevated numbers of IgG and IgG4-positive plasma cells. The evaluation of IgG4 serum level should be very informative for the diagnosis of this tumor before surgery. Fine-needle aspiration cytology with ultrasound guidance are not conclusive in this study. The immunological study including IgG4 serum level should be required for proper diagnosis and treatment, with clinical features of the Kuttner tumor. The level of evidence was IV.

MAML2 negative oncocytic mucoepidermoid carcinoma of submandibular gland

BackgroundOncocytic mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a rare variant of mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Only a few cases are reported involving mostly the parotid gland with only four cases reported in the submandibular gland. Mastermind-like 2 (MAML2) translocation is detected in about 66% mucoepidermoid carcinoma and many oncocytic mucoepidermoid carcinoma.Case presentationWe present a rare case of MAML2 negative oncocytic mucoepidermoid carcinoma of the submandibular gland in a 73-year-old female. CT revealed a large left submandibular gland mass. Submandibular gland resection with marginal mandibulectomy and ipsilateral neck dissection was performed. Grossly, a solid-cystic submandibular gland tumor was identified. Microscopic examination revealed an infiltrative proliferation of oncocytes. Foci of squamoid and intermediate cells with rare mucocytes were present. Two ipsilateral cervical lymph nodes and mandible were involved. Immunohistochemistry and special stains demonstrated positivity for p63, p40, CK5/6, mucicarmine and alcian blue. No MAML2 gene rearrangement was identified.ConclusionAn awareness that MAML2 negative mucoepidermoid carcinoma exists will prevent misdiagnosis and incorrect treatment as many of its differential diagnoses are benign.

Submandibular Gland Oncocytoma: A Rare Tumor Case Series-Its Diagnosis and Treatment Based on Clinicopathology.

Submandibular oncocytomas are rare benign salivary gland neoplasms, normally involves the parotid gland and few instances are stated in the submandibular gland region. As the clinical and histopathological features are overlapping to another salivary gland tumor like pleomorphic adenoma or warthin tumour, they are often misdiagnosed. They are typically found in patients aged 50-70years with no gender preference. The aim of this paper is to assess the clinicopathological functions, diagnostic standards and treatment of submandibular gland oncocytomas via a series of three case reports. We report a three case series of unilateral submandibular gland oncocytoma with female to male ratio 2:1, Size of tumor ranged from 1.8 to 10cm, 2 cases have painless swelling and one involved tender mass. FNAC and CT scan confirmed the presence of an oncocytoma. The patient underwent unilateral submandibular gland resection and on follow up no evidence of any recurrence was identified. Submandibular oncocytomas often present as solitary slow growing painless masses, which are firm on clinical examination. CT followed by fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) would be the preferred diagnostic modalities. Due to its low rate of malignant transformation and recurrence, the best treatment is local resection with follow-up as necessary.

Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration with anti-Yo antibodies and an associated submandibular gland tumor: a case report

BackgroundAs a debilitating syndrome, paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) remains challenging to treat. Further, anti-Yo antibody (directed against human cerebellar degeneration-related protein 2) detection in patients with PCD is associated with unsatisfactory responses to existing therapies. Here, we present the case of a 60-year-old woman who developed PCD with anti-Yo antibodies and a submandibular gland tumor.Case presentationA 60-year-old woman presented with a 5-day history of unsteadiness of gait and inadequate coordination of her extremities, along with truncal instability. Although walking without aid was possible, dysmetria of all four limbs, trunk, and gait ataxia was observed. While routine biochemical and hematological examinations were normal, the patient’s blood was positive for anti-Yo antibodies. When the neurological symptoms deteriorated despite administration of intravenous methylprednisolone, fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) and computed tomography (CT) images with contrast enhancement were performed, which showed a tumor in the left submaxillary gland. She underwent total left submandibular gland resection, including the tumor; histological and immunohistochemical results revealed a salivary duct carcinoma. She was administered intravenous methylprednisolone, followed by 10 plasma exchange sessions, intravenous immunoglobulins, and cyclophosphamide therapy. Following treatment, her symptoms were not alleviated, even after the reduction of anti-Yo titers.ConclusionsAlthough tumor detection was delayed, early tumor detection, diagnosis, and PCD treatment are essential because any delay can result in the progression of the disorder and irreversible neurological damage. Therefore, we recommend that the possibility of a salivary gland tumor should be considered, and whole-body dual-modality CT, including the head and neck, and FDG-PET should be performed at the earliest for patients with well-characterized paraneoplastic antibodies when conventional imaging fails to identify a tumor.

신세포암의 악하선 후기 전이: 증례보고

Renal clear cell carcinoma is the third most frequent cause of metastasis to the head and neck lesion. However, metastasis to the submandibular gland has been rarely reported. It is difficult to diagnose renal cell carcinoma metastasis before submandibular gland resection if submandibular mass developed in a long time after nephrectomy. We report the case of a 69-year-old male patient with metastasis to the submandibular gland 16 years after radical nephrectomy for a renal cell carcinoma. (J Clinical Otolaryngol 2021;32:296-301)

Validation of the Milan System for Reporting Salivary Gland Cytopathology and the diagnostic accuracy of FNA cytology for submandibular gland lesions.

BackgroundThe Milan System for Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) is a categorical system for salivary gland fine‐needle aspiration cytopathology (FNAC) developed to aid clinicians in the management of salivary gland lesions. This classification is widely studied and validated, especially in cohorts that consist of mostly parotid gland lesions. However, only sparse literature describes the use of this classification for submandibular gland lesions in particular.MethodsAll patients in the Netherlands that underwent a submandibular gland resection between January 1, 2006, and January 1, 2017, with a FNAC before resection were identified with the use of the Dutch Pathology Registry database (PALGA). All FNAC results were retrospectively classified according to the MSRSGC. The risk of malignancy was calculated for all the MSRSGC categories. The sensitivity and specificity of the MSRSGC classification were calculated for submandibular gland FNAC.ResultsA total of 837 patients who underwent 975 FNAC aspirates from the submandibular glands were included in the analysis. Risks of malignancy for each of the MSRSGC categories were 14.4% in nondiagnostic, 4.4% in nonneoplastic, 37.0% in atypia of unknown significance, 3.9% in benign neoplasms, 40.7% in salivary gland neoplasms of unknown malignant potential, 76.2% in suspected malignant, and 91.3% in malignant cytology results. The sensitivity for diagnosing malignant submandibular gland tumors was 71.6% and specificity was 98.4%.ConclusionsThe results of the present study validate the use of this classification for submandibular gland lesions. Risks of malignancy vary according to the anatomical subsites of the salivary gland lesions.Lay Summary The risks of malignancy of the various Milan System for Salivary Gland Cytopathology (MSRSGC) categories vary according to the anatomical subsite of the salivary gland lesion.The proposed management techniques of the MSRSGC are valid for use with submandibular gland lesions.

Ultrasound and Sialogram Correlates to Parotid Immunoglobulin G4-Related Disease.

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4)-related disease is an immune-mediated disorder that commonly manifests in the salivary glands. As a recently described disorder, the description and classification of IgG4-related disease is an ongoing process. Diagnosis of IgG4-related disease requires integration of clinical history, histopathology, and radiographic findings, including ultrasonography and sialography. In this case report, we correlate parotid ultrasonographic and sialographic findings in a patient with proven IgG4-related disorder confirmed from analysis of previous submandibular gland resections. We aim to highlight the utility of multimodality imaging in the diagnosis of IgG4-related disease.

Submandibular gland degloving: A minimally invasive function-preserving surgical approach for benign diseases.

In the Video S1, a modified technique for submandibular gland resection in benign disease is shown. The main plane of dissection is below the fascia and immediately superficial to the fibrous capsule of the gland. The video shows the surgical steps and the structures that become evident along the procedure and illustrates some tips and tricks. Facial vessels are dissected, easily spared, and not ligated as it occurs in the classical technique. This technical variant is minimally invasive, respectful of anatomy, and through preservation of the fascial layer investing the gland aims at reducing the risk of injury to the marginalis mandibulae branch of the facial nerve, which lies within the fascia itself.

Does Submandibular Gland Sacrificing Neck Dissection Decrease Salivary Output and Quality of Life?

Purpose: Our study aimed to quantify the impact of submandibular gland (SMG) resection during Level I neck dissection (ND) on stimulated salivary output (SSO) and xerostomia-related quality of life in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). Methods: A retrospective cohort was formed from 32 patients that underwent unilateral or bilateral Level I ND and a control group of 23 patients that had level II–IV ND. SSO (Saxon test) and University of Washington Quality of Life survey results for both groups were compared. Results: Mean SSO was 3.41 g in the SMG resection group and 3.86 g in the control group, with no significant statistical difference. There was no difference in mean SSO between patients with 2 SMGs, a single remaining SMG, or no glands. The mean SSO of SMG resection cases with a history of adjuvant RT was 2.61 g which was below the xerostomia threshold for the Saxon test (2.75 g) and control group patients with RT had a significantly higher mean SSO (4.07 g). The lowest UW-QoL saliva domain score average (53.8) was in the SMG-resected, RT-positive group. Conclusion: Results indicate unilateral or bilateral resection of SMG does not reduce SSO to a significant extent. Adjuvant radiotherapy and SMG resection are additive risk factors for xerostomia and the related loss in quality of life. SMG sparing may be necessary in HNC patients with higher risk for the need of adjuvant radiation.

Xerostomia aggravates ligation‐induced peri‐implantitis: A preclinical in vivo study

Previous studies have indicated that xerostomia is a critical factor affecting periodontitis; nonetheless, it is controversial whether xerostomia impairs peri-implant tissue. The objective of this experimental study was to evaluate the effect of xerostomia on the peri-implant hard and soft tissues in the rat model. Implants were placed in bilateral maxillae of male Wistar rats. The animals underwent submandibular and sublingual gland resection on both sides (DRY group) or sham operation (CTR group). Silk ligatures were placed around one side of abutments, which were randomly selected in each animal. The effects of xerostomia were assessed using micro-CT, histological analysis, real-time PCR, and 16S rRNA-based metagenomic analysis. Ligation with silk thread caused bone resorption around implants. Although xerostomia itself did not induce bone resorption, it significantly enhanced silk ligature-mediated bone resorption around implants. Histological analysis and real-time PCR indicated that xerostomia induced inflammation and osteoclastogenesis around implants with silk ligatures. Furthermore, it altered the microbiota of the plaque on the silk thread around implants. Xerostomia accelerates mucosal inflammation and osteoclastogenesis, which aggravates bone resorption around implants.

Submandibular Gland Tumours: A South African Perspective

ABSTRACT Background: Reports relating to submandibular gland neoplasms are sparse in the literature and the epidemiology of these neoplasms is variable in different parts of the world. Some studies suggest different patterns of tumour types in Black/Negroid patients, as compared to White Caucasian patients. There is no clarity about the origins of these tumours nor its distribution. Aim: This research paper audits the histopathological types of tumours and their clinical presentations at two central referral academic hospitals in South Africa. Method: A cross-sectional study was undertaken, using retrospective clinical data from two large academic public hospitals over a 7-year period from January 2005 to December 2011. All patients who had a submandibular gland resection at the two hospitals were included. A total of 61 patient records were examined, of which 26 met the inclusion criteria, being that of true neoplasms of the submandibular triangle. Results: Of the 26 patients 54% were males. The ages ranged from 22 to 65 years, with a mean of 42.5 years. Benign disease was found in 65.4% of patients, while 34.6% had malignancy. Black patients had a higher ratio of benign disease than White patients, and Black males were more likely to have benign disease (83.33%) than Black females (50%). On histopathology, pleomorphic adenoma was the most common benign tumour (82%), while adenoid cystic carcinoma was the most common epithelial or glandular malignancy (22%). There was also a high rate of lymphoma (56% of patients) in the malignant group. Clinically, local pain (p=0.03) and peripheral nerve involvement (p=0.05) were found to be significantly associated with malignant infiltrating epithelial disease. Conclusion: The rate of malignancy and age at presentation for Black patients was found to be lower than that reported in the Western literature. Pain and local/peripheral nerve involvement were clear clinical markers of malignant infiltrative disease.

Elective Submandibular Gland Resection in Patients with Squamous Cell Carcinomas of the Tongue.

Introduction:Submandibular gland resection is a controversial issue in patients with oral tongue squamous cell carcinomas (SCC). This study aimed to determine the frequency of submandibular gland involvement in patients who had undergone elective submandibular gland resection following oral tongue SCC. Materials and Methods:This cross-sectional retrospective study was performed between 2001 and 2017 on patients with oral tongue SCC who had undergone glossectomy in a referral center for otorhinolaryngology surgery, Shiraz, Iran.Results:In this study, 131 patients were included. Their mean age was 59.84 years (range: 19-86). The mean tumor size was 2.83 cm (range 0.3-7). The vast majority (92%) of the patients were at stage III-IVa and had well (55%) to moderate (31%) differentiated tumor. The mean diameter of the submandibular gland was 3.87 cm (range: 1.5-6 cm). There was only one (0.76%) patient with submandibular involvement. She was an 80-year-old woman with a T2 well differentiated tumor without cervical lymph node involvement in the neck node dissection.Conclusion:In patients with oral tongue SCC, submandibular gland involvement is rare and its elective resection in not recommended.

Clinical Comparison of Transoral Removal with Sublingual Gland Preservation versus without Sublingual Gland Preservation versus Submandibular Gland Resection for Proximal Duct Stone of Submandibular Gland: Prospective Study

Background and Objectives Proximal submandibular stone is not a rare disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the surgical outcomes of 3 different ways to treat proximal submandibular stone: intraoral removal of stone (IORS) with sublingual gland (SLG) resection, IORS without SLG resection and submandibular gland (SMG) resection.Subjects and Method We prospectively reviewed the surgical outcomes of IORS with SLG resection group (22 patients), IORS without SLG resection group (35 patients) and SMG resection group (22 patients). To evaluate the surgical outcomes, we analyzed the location and size of stones, mean operation time, mean hospital stay, mean postoperative degree of pain based on a visual analog scale (0–10), and incidence of complications.Results There were no significant differences between the mean diameter of stones and length from the hilum to stones. The mean operation time was shorter in the IORS without SLG resection group than that in IORS without SLG resection group, and was significantly shorter than that of the SMG resection group. The mean hospital stay of the IORS without SLG resection group was also shorter than that of IORS with SLG resection group, and was significantly shorter than the SMG resection group. IORS without SLG resection group felt less pain than IORS with SLG resection group and SMG resection group. Four patients who underwent IORS without SLG resection experienced transient and mild SMG swelling, and mild paresthesia was noted on the same side. All patients recovered within 3 months. Intraoral removal of proximal SMG stones exhibited several advantages over SMG resection in terms of hospital stay, mean operation, time and postoperative pain.Conclusion Based on our results, we suggest that IORS without SLG resection be selected as the primary procedure for the removal of proximal submandibular stones rather than SMG resection.

Partial Removal of the Submaxillary Gland for Aesthetic Indications: A Systematic Review and Critical Analysis of the Evidence.

Neck aesthetics is an essential feature for a youthful attractive appearance. Deep neck surgery involving partial resection of the submandibular gland (SMG) has been a controversial issue in aesthetic surgery given its challenging technique and potential risks. The aim of this review is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of partial SMG resection in patients undergoing aesthetic neck surgery. We undertook a systematic review of the literature and analysis of studies reporting surgical outcomes and complications of partial SMG resection from Medline, Cochrane and Google Scholar databases from 1950 to March 30, 2019. Two independent reviewers conducted titles and abstracts screening and data extraction. Data were analyzed using mixed methods appraisal tool and a clinical impact score. Six studies including 602 patients who underwent 1200 partial SMG resections were included. All studies reported aesthetic improvement according to Ellenbogen aesthetic neck ideals. Hematoma related to partial SMG resection was encountered in one case (0.08%), hematoma related to cervicofacial skin flap was encountered in 26 cases (1.4%), sialoceles happened in 16 cases (1.3%), transient marginal mandibular nerve weakness occurred in 86 cases (4.7%). No mortalities, permanent motor nerve damage or dry mouth were reported. The clinical impact score was positive for five out of the six reports. Partial SMG resection in patients undergoing aesthetic neck surgery may represent an effective procedure to enhance neck aesthetics and is associated with minor, self-limiting complications. Future controlled studies with prospective evaluation of aesthetic outcome and patient-reported outcome measures are needed. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266.