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52069 - Sublingual Gland Removal

MBS service description:

Sublingual gland, extirpation of (H) (Anaes.)
Schedule Fee:
226.2
@85% Benefit Fee:
@75% Benefit Fee:
Last updated on
March 29, 2025

When is item code 52069 (Sublingual Gland Removal) typically used?

The need for extirpation of the sublingual gland arises when this salivary gland, located under the tongue, develops severe pathology—such as tumors, chronic infections, or cysts—that cannot be resolved with conservative measures, requiring complete surgical removal under anesthesia in a hospital. This procedure is indicated when the gland’s condition causes persistent swelling, pain, or functional impairment in the oral cavity, where its location affects speech, swallowing, or saliva flow. It is critical in the maxillofacial region where precise excision avoids damage to nearby structures like the lingual nerve or adjacent glands.

Key reasons include:

  • Tumours: A growth in the sublingual gland might be malignant, needing removal for diagnosis and to stop progression.
  • Chronic infections: Recurrent sialadenitis causing gland fibrosis can lead to pain or swelling, requiring excision.
  • Cysts: A ranula extending from the gland might obstruct the mouth floor, needing gland removal to prevent recurrence.
  • Functional issues: Gland dysfunction causing saliva pooling or speech difficulty prompts surgery for relief.

For example, a patient with a sublingual tumour causing tongue elevation might need this to confirm malignancy and restore oral function, with hospital care ensuring safety. In aged care, an elderly patient with a chronic gland infection could benefit from this to stop pain, given their reduced healing capacity. By excising the gland, this service eliminates pathology, prevents complications, and supports oral health, making it vital for severe sublingual issues in the maxillofacial region.

Benefits to the patient

Surgeons extirpating the patient’s sublingual gland under anesthesia deliver targeted benefits for specific conditions. A primary advantage is the removal of the diseased gland. This procedure eliminates the patient’s pathology, such as cysts or tumors, resolving symptoms—key for 'sublingual gland removal benefits.' It also restores oral function by clearing the affected area, ensuring the patient’s ability to speak or swallow improves. Furthermore, it prevents recurrence by fully excising the gland, reducing the patient’s risk of future issues. For surgeons exploring 'sublingual extirpation advantages,' this service ensures patients benefit from pathology elimination, functional restoration, and recurrence prevention, making it an effective approach for sublingual gland disorders.

Recovery considerations

Recovery of 2-3 weeks with swelling and tongue soreness; hospital stay possible.

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