Salivary duct ligation surgery (1966)
Key points below
What is salivary duct ligation surgery?
The tubes that carry the saliva from the salivary glands are called ducts. With this surgery, the ducts are tied off to decrease the amount of saliva that is produced.
What do I need to know before my child's surgery?
- Surgery is best done when your child is healthy. If your child has any signs of illness, call the doctor or nurse right away. Surgery may be cancelled if your child is ill or has a fever. Your child should stay on any medicines that slow down saliva production (Robinul® or Scopolamine®, etc.) before the surgery.
- Your child should not be given any aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen (Motrin®, Advil®, Pediaprofen®) or naproxen for two weeks before surgery. These medicines keep blood from clotting. This may increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Your child may have Tylenol® for fever or pain before the surgery.
- We try to schedule surgery as soon as possible.
- If you have not heard from us in 2 weeks, please call our office. You will be told when your child should stop eating and drinking before surgery. It is very important to follow this order. Your child’s surgery will need to be canceled if this order is not followed.
What do I need to know after my child’s surgery?
Activity:
- For 2 days your child’s activity should be kept low. Have your child play quiet games, read or watch TV. Activities can be slowly increased after two days.
- Your child should avoid people who are sick.
Pain:
- Your child may have some mouth and ear pain. This is rarely due to an ear infection.
- Your child's doctor may order acetaminophen (Tylenol®), ibuprofen or oxycodone. Give this medicine as prescribed. It will help your child swallow with less pain.
Diet:
- Your child may throw up after surgery. If this happens, call the clinic.
- Your child may start eating food the day after surgery. They may move towards their regular diet when they are able.
Healing:
- You may see a stitch under your child’s tongue or on the inside of the cheek. It may look gray, white or yellow. This normal. As your child heals the stitch will dissolve on its own.
- It is common for the face or cheek to swell a little bit.
- Your child may have a mild fever for several days after surgery.
- Tylenol®, ibuprofen or oxycodone can be given every 4 to 6 hours, if needed.
Follow-up:
Your child will need to have a check-up about 3 weeks after surgery. You can make the appointment when you schedule your child’s surgery. Or, you can call Central Scheduling at (414) 607-5280, or toll free at (877) 607-5280.