What can I expect after a partial glossectomy?

Your tongue may be sore initially, so we usually suggest smooth, bland foods to start with. You may also need your drinks thickened with special thickening powder. These changes to your diet will help you to eat and drink safely. Over the following days and weeks, drinking and eating will become steadily easier.

How long is recovery for glossectomy?

You should be able to tolerate normal diet by 14 days following surgery. During this period of recovery, you should avoid hard and dried foods such as nuts, since these can cause pain and predispose to bleeding.

How do you swallow after tongue surgery?

If you had a small amount of tongue removed, you may be able to eat by mouth. However, if you had a large amount of tongue removed, you will not be able to eat anything through your mouth right after surgery. Instead, you will have a gastrostomy feeding tube.

How long does it take for tongue to heal after surgery?

It can take 4–8 weeks for absorbable suture to dissolve. Children may heal even more quickly. A 2018 study found that it takes around 13 days for tongue wounds with stitches to heal in children.

What happens if part of your tongue is removed?

If a major proportion or whole of your tongue has been removed, you may not be able to eat through your mouth. The doctor will insert a long tube known as a gastrostomy tube into your mouth that goes into your stomach. The nurse will administer feeds through this tube.

What can you eat after partial glossectomy?

Diet: Advance diet from clear liquids (water, popsicles, Jell-O, sherbet, apple and grape juice, Kool-aid, etc.) to full liquids then soft foods then full diet as tolerated. Avoid hot or cold liquids. Activity: No work, strenuous activity or swimming for two weeks. Avoid bending, lifting, or straining.

Can you talk after a total glossectomy?

Some sounds are made using your lips, so you may be able to make sounds such as b, m, p, w after a glossectomy. When part of the tongue is removed, it can be hard to speak and be understood by others. People who have all of their tongue removed will need to write and/or use cue cards to help with communication.

What happens if your whole tongue is removed?

Total glossectomy: The whole tongue is removed. This results in an inability to swallow without getting food/liquids into the lungs (called aspiration). Because of this, a laryngectomy may also be done. Laryngectomy (removal of the larynx or voice box) helps prevent aspiration, but also results in loss of your voice.

Can you swallow without your tongue?

The function that your tongue brings to the table is quite impressive. Without your tongue, you wouldn’t be able to: Speak. Eat.

How long after tongue surgery can you eat solid food?

Normally, you should avoid solid food for just 24 hours after your oral surgery, after which it may be okay to eat it again.

Does the tongue regenerate after surgery?

Our findings confirm earlier reports that vallate papillae fail to reform if surgical excision is complete, but that taste buds can develop and will regenerate in tongue epithelium of nonhuman species without the presence of the original papilla.

How long does tongue stay swollen after surgery?

Swelling is normal following a procedure. It will become apparent the day following surgery, and will reach its maximum 2-3 days after your procedure. You can minimize swelling by placing ice packs to the sides of your face where the surgery was performed. Do this for 24 hours following your procedure.

How is a partial glossectomy of the tongue done?

A partial glossectomy is an operation which removes part of the tongue. Some cancers of the tongue have a risk of spreading to the lymph glands in your neck. Therefore, during surgery, your surgeon may make small incisions in one or both sides of your neck to remove these lymph glands.

How to deal with pain after tonsillectomy surgery?

For the first several days (occasionally up to 10 days) following surgery, pain in the throat is to be expected. This can usually be controlled with Liquid Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Tylenol with Codeine (prescription will be given at time of surgery).

What are the post-operative instructions for tongue surgery?

Tongue Surgery Post-Operative Instructions. While spending time out of bed is important to reduce risks of developing pneumonia or blood clots in the legs, you should avoid strenuous activity since it can increase swelling or significant bleeding. There is a good chance that you will have minor bleeding episodes following surgery.

What should I do after a partial glossectomy?

For the first seven days following the procedure, please mix one tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide in one cup of water. Gargle with this solution after meals, snacks, and at bedtime. You may gently brush your teeth and us a dilute mouth rinse as needed.