Skip to main content
Main Menu
Main Menu

phone-icon

Book an Appointment Now

Quick Enquiry

Covid-19 Vaccination

Blog

HELPLINE: +91-11-30403040 +91-11-30403040

Enquire Now

Glossectomy

Best Glossectomy Surgery Hospital in Delhi

Glossectomy is the removal of a part of the tongue or the total removal of the tongue. Though glossectomy is a common medical term heard often, it is performed for major reasons like tongue cancers, throat cancers, and oral cavities found inside the mouth. Glossectomy is performed in all age groups starting from kids. Glossectomy, its operation, after-effects, symptoms, and the risks behind it will be discussed in this article.  

Body location:

Tongue 

How is a glossectomy performed?

There are two types of glossectomy, namely partial glossectomy and Total glossectomy.

A glossectomy can be performed in three different ways, namely partial glossectomy, hemi glossectomy, and total glossectomy. In a partial glossectomy, only a part of the tongue will be removed. Furthermore, in a hemi glossectomy, only a half part of the tongue will be removed and the other half left as it is. Moreover, in a total glossectomy, the whole tongue will be removed. There may be difficulty in this type of glossectomy while swallowing or speaking. However, after recovery, the patient will be fine. 

The defect is reconstructed with local flap / free flap. 

Preparation for a glossectomy:

  • As glossectomy is a surgery, the patient must be prepared before the procedure, both physically and mentally.
  • Certain physical examinations like X-rays, blood tests, CT scans of the patient will be taken.
  • Anesthetics will check if the patient is allergic to the specific anesthesia.
  • General anesthesia will be given to the patient who is undergoing the glossectomy.

Procedure type of a glossectomy:

Surgical

Follow up after a glossectomy:

As the surgical process of a glossectomy is major, one needs to take care of themselves. There is a mandatory stay at the hospital of at least 10 days. Until the patient feels normal, a feeding tube will be provided by the hospital to intake food and water. Recovery is vital, especially during the days after the surgery of glossectomy. Recovery indicates how quickly and well the patient is taking things after the surgery. Though the initial recovery period might be a little hard for the patient in communicating and swallowing, with proper diet and medications, he/she will be better soon. As soon as the patient is recovered, the patient might start feeling normal while swallowing or speaking. The patient must make sure to take care of themself.

Risks/complications of a glossectomy:

  • Bleeding:

After the procedure, the patient may experience bleeding in the wound area.

  • Infection:

As the tongue is a sensitive region, and if the immune system is weak, infections may occur.

  • Hematoma:

Once the glossectomy is performed, the patient might experience hematoma, the collection of the blood outside the blood vessel.

  • Salivary fistula:

A salivary fistula is nothing but a hole that will result in saliva leakage from the tongue, reaching down the neck region. 

Recovery after a glossectomy:

Recovery is the main phase of any surgery, especially in glossectomy cases. Once the surgery is completed, the patient is advised to consume smooth and soft foods to avoid difficulties while eating. Also, whatever liquid is consumed by the patient must be thickened. By the end of recovery, one’s diet may be changed but for the betterment of the patient. As the tongue is the main part used for swallowing and communication, it may be quite hard for the patient at the beginning, but eventually, the patient will cope. 

Second Expert Opinion
Find Doctors
Contact Us

 

Ask BLK-Max Medical Experts

Fill this form and get a call back

Patient Stories

Hospital Video

India

Patient Speaks

Kenya

Patient Speaks

India

LVAD

None

Carcinoid tumour Right main bronchus Treated

India

Ms.Fatima

Iraq

Doctor video

India

Doctor video

India

Doctor video

India

Doctor Speak

India

Fight Against Cancer

India

Dr. Suman Srivastav

India

View All

Related Blogs

What is Diabetic foot and how to prevent it?

Foot ailments are a major source of morbidit...

Read More
Diet And Lifestyle Changes For Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

PCOS or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is a clust...

Read More
The Keto Diet Explained - Burn Fat & Lose Weight Without Going Hungry

A ketogenic dietfocuses on foods with high h...

Read More
The Best Diet For Your Speed Recovery After Heart Bypass Surgery

Heart bypass surgery is done to repair the d...

Read More
View All
+91-11-30403040
Can't find what you're looking for?   Search now:

Procedure

Centres of Excellence

Quick Links
About Us
Free COVID 19 Helpline
Call: +91-11-30403040

If you are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms like scratchy throat, extreme tiredness, fever, body ache, cold or cough, or have tested positive, call our free COVID-19 teleconsultation helpline to consult with Max doctors.

Stay Connected

Download app

© Dr. B. L. Kapur Memorial Hospital, 2022. All rights reserved.

GST No: 07AAATL0242R2ZE

Quick Enquiry