Name of the Procedure:

Glossectomy (Partial Glossectomy, Less than Half Tongue Removal)

Summary

A glossectomy is a surgical procedure to remove a part of the tongue. Specifically, a partial glossectomy involves removing less than half of the tongue. This is typically done to treat certain types of tongue cancer or other severe conditions affecting the tongue.

Purpose

• Medical Condition/Problem: Tongue cancer, severe trauma, or other serious conditions impacting the tongue.
• Goals/Outcomes: The primary goal is to remove diseased or damaged tissue to prevent the spread of cancer or alleviate severe symptoms.

Indications

• Persistent tongue sores or lesions that do not heal
• Confirmed diagnosis of tongue cancer
• Significant tongue trauma or damage

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Patients are generally advised to fast for 8 hours before the procedure. Blood tests and imaging studies such as an MRI or CT scan are often required.
• Diagnostic Tests/Assessments: Comprehensive oral examination, biopsy, and imaging tests to assess the extent of the condition.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Administered general anesthesia to ensure the patient is asleep and pain-free.
2. Incision: The surgeon makes a precise incision to access the affected part of the tongue.
3. Removal: Using specialized surgical tools, the surgeon carefully removes the diseased portion of the tongue.
4. Closure: The surgical area is then closed using sutures, and may include reconstructive techniques if significant tissue is removed.

Duration

The procedure typically takes 1 to 2 hours, depending on the extent of tissue removal.

Setting

Performed in a hospital operating room or a specialized surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon (usually a head and neck specialist)
• Anesthesiologist
• Surgical nurses
• Possibly a reconstructive surgeon if extensive tissue work is needed

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Infection, bleeding, swelling
• Rare Risks: Difficulty speaking or swallowing, changes in taste, nerve damage
• Management: Antibiotics for infection, specialized care for speech/swallowing issues, and regular follow-ups.

Benefits

• Removal of cancerous or damaged tissue
• Prevention of cancer spread
• Alleviation of pain and other severe symptoms

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care: Pain management typically with prescribed medications, wound care, and possibly speech therapy.
• Recovery Time: Initial recovery might take few weeks, with complete healing taking several months. Regular follow-ups are essential.
• Restrictions: May include a modified diet and limitations on physical activities.

Alternatives

• Radiation Therapy: Non-surgical option for treating cancer, less invasive.
• Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment that targets cancer cells, often used in conjunction with other treatments.
• Pros and Cons: Non-surgical options might be less invasive but could be less effective depending on the stage and type of condition.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: The patient is under general anesthesia and should not experience pain.
• After Procedure: Post-surgical pain is managed with medications, and patients might experience difficulty speaking or swallowing initially. Emotional and psychological support, as well as speech therapy, might be necessary to aid in recovery.