How long does partial glossectomy take?
The operation itself takes approximately 1 hour.
What is a glossectomy procedure?
Glossectomy is a term used to describe a family of surgical procedures resulting in resection of the tongue. While there are many classifications, glossectomy is commonly classified by the laterality (left, right, or midline) and the proportion of tongue removed.
What can I expect after a partial glossectomy?
If you have a small portion of your tongue removed you will be able to go home the same day or the morning after surgery. You will need to do good mouth care for 1 to 2 weeks after surgery. The nurse will teach you how to do mouth care and will give you a pamphlet with instructions to follow at home.
What happens when part of your tongue is removed?
If a large part of your tongue is removed, some tissue may be taken from your arm, belly or chest and put into your mouth to create a new type of tongue. This is called a flap. Some cancers of the tongue have a risk of spreading to the lymph glands in your neck.
Does glossectomy affect speech?
Some sounds are made using your lips, so you may be able to make sounds such as b, m, p, w after a glossectomy. When part of the tongue is removed, it can be hard to speak and be understood by others.
How long is recovery for glossectomy?
What is recovery like? Recovery from a glossectomy depends on the type of surgery you have had. Often, a 7-10 day hospital stay is needed. A temporary or permanent feeding tube may be needed for nutrition, during and after the healing process.
How does glossectomy affect speech?
Some sounds are made using your lips, so you may be able to make sounds such as b, m, p, w after a glossectomy. When part of the tongue is removed, it can be hard to speak and be understood by others. People who have all of their tongue removed will need to write and/or use cue cards to help with communication.
Can one talk without a tongue?
Talking without a tongue is possible. For Cynthia Zamora, simply being able to talk is nothing short of miraculous. Three years ago, doctors found a tumor that covered more than half her tongue. Surgeons had to remove most of Cynthia’s tongue– and then use tissue from her thigh to rebuild a new one.
Can you talk after tongue surgery?
If you had surgery to your voice box, mouth, jaw, tongue or throat you will have problems talking after your operation. This can be frustrating and you may feel you have no control over things. Staff will be aware of this. You will have a call bell close by so you can call for help if you need it.
Can I talk after tongue surgery?
What’s the difference between partial and total glossectomy?
Glossectomy A glossectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the tongue. The surgery may be: • Partial —removal of part of the tongue • Hemi —one side of the tongue is removed • Total —removal of the whole tongue A partial or hemi-glossectomy is used to remove smaller cancers from the tongue.
When is a glossectomy performed under general anesthesia?
Glossectomy is a surgery for the removal of total or a part of the tongue. Glossectomy is always performed under general anesthesia. A glossectomy is performed for the treatment cancer of the tongue.
What are the side effects of A glossectomy?
Risks Associated with a Glossectomy • Bleeding from the tongue. This is an early complication of surgery; it can result in severe swelling leading to blockage of the airway. • Poor speech and difficulty swallowing. This complication depends on how much of the tongue is removed. • Fistula formation.
Which is better supine or open submucosal partial glossectomy?
Open submucosal partial glossectomy achieves significant tongue reduction with minimal pain and minimal impact on tongue function. Control of apneic events is excellent, but hypopneas are far more easily controlled in the lateral position than in the supine. This may be addressed with future refinements in technique.