Functional outcomes after submandibular gland-sparing neck dissection in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma

The feasibility of submandibular gland (SMG) preservation during neck dissection has been described. The aim of this study was to analyse the functional outcomes in patients undergoing SMG preservation during neck dissection for cT1–2N0 oral squamous cell carcinoma. Consecutive patients were divided into two groups based on the management of the SMG, and underwent a saliva flow test before surgery, 7 days after surgery, and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. All enrolled patients completed the fourth version of the University of Washington Quality of Life (UWQOL) questionnaire at 12 months after surgery. In patients who underwent SMG preservation during neck dissection, the flow rate at 7 days after surgery was significantly lower than that preoperative; however, it gradually returned to baseline at 9 months after surgery. The saliva flow rate at 9 months after surgery was similar to that at 12 months after surgery. Further, patients with SMG preservation had higher scores for the activity, swallowing, chewing, and saliva domains than patients without SMG preservation. The results of the study suggest that saliva secretion ability can be preserved following SMG-sparing neck dissection, and that SMG preservation improves postoperative quality of life.