Insight in the Management of Traumatic Isolated Injury to Submandibular Gland: A Case Report

Rationale: Isolated submandibular gland injuries are infrequent and are mainly reported in the context of trauma.

Patient Concerns: A 32-year-old male patient presented to the ER with a history of self-fall following which there was a penetrating injury to the lower part of the right neck region.

Diagnosis: A diagnosis of soft tissue penetrating injury to the right submandibular gland was made, after a thorough patient history, vigilant clinical examination along with negative CT scan findings.

Intervention: A decision of wound debridement and exploration under local anesthesia was made, with layered closure being done. The postoperative period of the patient was managed with antibiotics, a course of oral glycopyrrolate, three times a day for 5 days, and pressure dressing to address the salivary leak.

Outcomes: The patient was followed up for one year without any evidence of recurrences.

Take-away Lessons: Presentation of isolated submandibular gland injury is unique but rare and should be diagnosed at the earliest to avoid any long-term complications.