Glossectomy Surgery in Gandhinagar

The different glossectomy types can be outlined below in the table:

Each type of glossectomy comes with its particular indications based on the size, location, and spread of the tumor. The surgery is carried out to help you get rid of cancer while preserving the greatest extent of function and quality of life possible.

Read on to know what happens before, during, and after a glossectomy procedure.

Before Surgery (How to prepare for the surgery)

Prior to the surgery, it is necessary to prepare well and evaluate the process in advance to ensure the best possible outcomes. The key preparatory measures are as mentioned below:

• Medical evaluation and imaging: The stage and spread of the cancer are determined using imaging studies like MRI, CT scan, and PET scans to plan the surgery. Blood tests, heart function tests, and other assessments may also be done to evaluate the patient’s overall health.
• Consulting a multidisciplinary team: The consulting team will consist of surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, nutritionists as well as speech therapists. 
• Counseling, nutritional assessment, and dental evaluation: The type of glossectomy, risks, expected outcomes, and the rehabilitation process will be discussed in advance. Evaluation by a nutritionist is done to address any pre-surgical nutritional needs. A dentist is consulted if the surgery is expected to affect your teeth or jaw. 
• Other preparations: Psychological support is planned and preparations for postoperative care are taken care of. You may have to stop certain medications, quit smoking and alcohol consumption, and make adjustments in your diet later after the surgery.  

These steps are critical to make the surgery a success and minimize complications. Every individual’s preoperative process varies based on his/her health, the surgery’s complexity, and the practices of the hospital.  

During Surgery (Glossectomy Procedure Steps)

Here’s a general view of how a glossectomy procedure is carried out step by step:

• Anesthesia: The patient is administered general anesthesia to ensure a pain-free procedure.
• Incision and access: Partial or a hemi-glossectomy may be worked out through the mouth without making any external incisions. However, a more extensive surgery might need incisions in the neck or jaw to access the tongue and surrounding structures.
• Tumor resection: Depending on the size and location of the cancer, the tumor along with some healthy tissue is removed to ensure that the body is free of all cancerous cells. This may even include removal of the lymph nodes in the neck.
• Reconstruction (if necessary): In hemi or partial glossectomies, the remaining part of the tongue may be reshaped. For a total or subtotal procedure, a new-tongue-like structure may be created using tissue from other body parts. The goal is to allow swallowing, and if possible, speech, while also considering cosmetic outcomes.
• Ensuring clear airways: It is ensured that the patient has a clear airway post-surgery. This may involve creating an opening at the front of the neck to allow breathing.
• Wound closure: Sutures, usually dissolvable ones, are used to carefully close the surgical sites.   

The patient is taken to a recovery room for further monitoring of his/her vital signs, bleeding, and oxygen levels post-surgery.

After Surgery (Recovery and Outlook)

The recovery and rehabilitation after a glossectomy depends on the health of the patient and the extent of the surgery. Here’s an overview of how the recovery goes:

• Immediate postoperative period: This period is about managing pain with medicines, and caring for the wound while preventing infections and managing any drains. Nutrition may be through IV fluids or a feeding tube in the beginning, which can be later replaced by oral foods.
• Rehabilitation: Speech and swallowing therapy is crucial to help the patient improve both functions. The duration and success of this therapy depend on your adaptability and the extent of surgery. Physical therapy may also be carried out to strengthen the neck and jaw muscles.
• Long-term care and adjustments: You may have to modify your diet to meet all nutritional needs, attend regular follow-ups with the oncology team to monitor any signs of recurrence, and get psychological support. 
• Lifestyle modifications: Oral hygiene will have to be given extra care to prevent infections and complications.

The recovery and adaptation process is to help the patient not only physically, but also emotionally and psychologically, and get bring them closer to a normal life.