Submandibular Gland Sialocele: A Rare Complication Following Open Treatment of Mandibular Fracture

Study Design Case report. Objective A sialocele is a subcutaneous cavity containing saliva, caused by trauma or infection in the parotid or submandibular gland parenchyma, by ductal stenosis or glandular duct laceration with subsequent asymptomatic dilation and swelling. Many cases of parotid sialoceles have been published, but few cases of submandibular sialoceles occurring as a result of surgical trauma have been reported. The purpose of this article is to inform clinicians and to raise awareness about an unusual post-operative condition of a sialocele of the submandibular gland after treatment of a sequele of a mandible fracture. Methods We report a case of a 33-year-old male with a submandibular sialocele in the submandibular gland, that presented on computed tomography as a 10 × 4 × 3 cm right submandibular fluid collection in the submandibular space, and developed after an open reduction and internal fixation of a mandibular fracture through a submandibular approach. Results In the clinical case, the patient presented with sequelae of untreated fractures of the right angle and parasymphysis of the mandible. Both fractures had unfavorable deviations for 2 months, with a diagnosis of pseudoarthrosis, or non-union. In the first surgical stage, extensive debridement at the stie of non-union and precise anatomical reduction and fixation of the bone segments were performed via a submandibular surgical approach. The treatment of the post-operative sialocele occurred in a second surgical procedure, which included surgical exploration and right submandibular gland excision. No complications related to the post-operative approach were observed in a follow-up of 1 month. Conclusions Given the paucity of publications and treatment strategies for submandibular gland sialoceles in the literature, we hope to build a foundation to guide clinicians who encounter these rare adverse events. Surgeons will have a better understanding of the risks involved when they encounter cases like this, where extensive surgical debridement was necessary due to skewed consolidation and extensive pseudoarthrosis after the absence of immediate treatment following the initial trauma.