Glossektomiya – Removing language – Partial resection of the tongue – Complete resection of the tongue

Description Language resection

Glossektomiya – surgical removal of all or part of the tongue. The operation has the following:

• Partial – removing the tongue;
• Hemiglossectomy – removed one side language;
• Complete resection – removal of all language.

Reasons for resection language

This operation is used to treat cancer language, when other treatments have been unsuccessful.

Possible complications of removing language

No operation can not guarantee the absence of risk. Before, how to perform glossektomiyu, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Bleeding language;
• Infection;
• Blocking airway edema and hemorrhage;
• Swallowing problems and fluid intake;
• Inability to speak;
• Weight loss;
• Recurrence of cancer.

Some factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Lung disease;
• Large tumor size;
• Malnutrition;
• Alcoholism;
• Smoking;
• Previous radiation therapy;
• Previous chemotherapy;
• Diabetes.

We need to discuss these risks with your doctor before surgery.

How is the removal of the language?

Preparation for the procedure

Before removing the language or doctor will prescribe the following:

• Medical checkup;
• Ask about your medical history, including whether you smoke or drink alcohol;
• Biopsy jazika – language piece is cut and sent to a laboratory for testing, to diagnose cancer;
• Roentgen or Computed tomography of the chest – tests, are photographed structure intrathoracic;
• Computed tomography of the mouth and neck – such as X-rays, which uses computer, to make pictures of structures inside the body.

On the eve of the operation:

• Consult your doctor about the drugs taken. A week before surgery you may be asked to stop taking some medicines:
  • Anti-inflammatory drugs (eg, aspirin);
  • Blood thinners, such as clopidogrel (Plaviks) or warfarin;
• We need to organize a trip for the operation and back home;
• The night before the operation can eat a light meal. Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
• If you have diabetes, Consult a physician, If you need to take medication.

Anesthesia

At step used general anesthesia, which blocks the pain and the patient support in sleep.

Procedure glossektomii

First performed a tracheotomy, to allow you to breathe during and after surgery. When tracheotomy hole is created outside of the neck into the trachea. The tube is inserted into the hole, through which you can breathe. Usually, the procedure is temporary.

If it must be removed of the tongue, the doctor removes the cancer in it. The rest of the language will be sewn so, that it had no opening. Sometimes it will be used by a small skin graft from, to fill this hole.

If you must remove all language, It conducted a complex operation. The doctor removes the diseased tongue. There will also be removed with a piece of leather wrist, which will place sewn remove language. Blood vessels are connected to the transplant. This is to ensure blood flow. Sometimes lymph nodes in the neck region also need to remove.

How long will glossektomiya?

Several hours.

Glossektomiya – Will it hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. You will have pain during recovery. In this case, the doctor prescribes pain medication.

The average hospital stay

7-10 days.

Care after the removal of the language

Care in a hospital

During recovery in the hospital, you can get the following help:

• Oxygen through the tube to the nose in the first 1-2 days after surgery;
• Nutrition through a tube – if you are able to swallow, You can get drinks and pureed food. If carried out a total glossektomiya, perhaps, You need to install a permanent tube feeding through the stomach;
• Will intravenous fluids and medications;
• It is necessary to wear special shoes or socks, to prevent blood clots. You also need as early as possible to start walking;
• We need to breathe deeply and cough 10-20 times each hour (during the first few days), that will reduce the risk of pneumonia.

Besides, your doctor may prescribe:

• The work with a speech therapist, to learn to speak and swallow after the operation;
• Start or continue radiation therapy for treating cancer.

Home Care

When you return home, Follow these steps:, to ensure the normal recovery:

• It should gargle several times a day, to prevent infection;
• Take antibiotics as prescribed;
• Take pain medicine, to ease the discomfort;
• We need to gradually move to receive regular food,if possible;
• We need to continue to work with a speech therapist;
• Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions.

Communication with the doctor after the removal of the language

After returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, including fever and chills;
• Difficulty swallowing or choking on food or liquids;
• Swelling, bleeding or discharge from mouth;
• Pain and / or swelling of the legs, calves and feet;
• Problems with urination;
• Cough, breathlessness, chest pain, or severe nausea or vomiting;
• Increased pain;
• Any other worrisome symptoms.