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Parotidectomy and Submandibular Gland Excision

Salivary Gland Surgery in Ireland — Costs, Waiting Times & EU Options

Salivary gland surgery removes all or part of a salivary gland, usually because of a lump, stones or recurrent infection. The most common operations are parotidectomy and submandibular gland removal.

Duration1–3 hours
AnaesthesiaGeneral anaesthetic
Hospital stayDay case or 1–2 nights
Recovery2–4 weeks
Day caseOvernight stay
Overview

What is a Salivary Gland Surgery?

The main salivary glands are the parotid glands in front of the ears and the submandibular glands under the jaw. Most lumps in these glands are benign, but they’re usually removed to confirm the diagnosis and stop them growing.

The facial nerve, which controls movement of the face, runs through the parotid gland, so parotid surgery is done carefully with nerve monitoring. Submandibular gland removal is done through a cut under the jaw.

Who needs this surgery?

Salivary gland surgery may be recommended for:

  • A lump in a salivary gland
  • Recurrent infections or swelling
  • Salivary stones that can’t be removed by simpler means
  • Suspected salivary gland cancer

How the procedure works

Scans and biopsy

Ultrasound and a needle biopsy assess the lump.

General anaesthetic

You'll be asleep, with nerve monitoring for parotid surgery.

Removing the gland

All or part of the gland is removed through a neck or face skin crease.

Drain

A small drain may be left for a day.

Recovery

Most people go home the same day or after one or two nights.

Your three options

Where can you have a Salivary Gland Surgery?

Compare the public system, private hospitals in Ireland, and HSE-reimbursed treatment in the EU.

Public (HSE)

Free at the point of care with a GP or consultant referral. Waiting times vary widely by hospital, region and clinical urgency; your hospital or the NTPF (ntpf.ie) can tell you where you are on the list.

Private in Ireland

Ask the hospital for a fixed-price quote covering the hospital fee, consultant and anaesthetist fees. Check your health insurance plan for cover, excesses and any approved-hospital list before booking.

Reimbursed by the HSE

EU Cross-Border

Eligible under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive with a referral. Because it involves an overnight hospital stay, you need prior authorisation from the HSE before travelling. You pay upfront and claim back up to the Irish public cost, minus the public inpatient charge where it applies.

Check if you're eligible

Have your surgery in weeks, not years

Under the EU Cross-Border Healthcare Directive, you can be treated in an accredited EU/EEA hospital and claim the cost back from the HSE — with a GP or consultant referral.

Check whether you qualify and what you'd get back.

Check your eligibility

*Reimbursement is capped at the cost of the same treatment in the Irish public health system. Travel, accommodation and any balance above the HSE rate are not covered. Pre-authorisation applies to treatment involving an overnight hospital stay.

€9,839 (day case) – €13,549 (inpatient)Indicative HSE public cost for Salivary Gland Surgery — the reference amount your EU Cross-Border reimbursement is measured against.*
Recovery

Recovering from a Salivary Gland Surgery

First week

Swelling and numbness around the ear or jaw are common.

Weeks 1–2

Most people return to work within two weeks.

Weeks 2–4

Swelling settles and the scar heals.

Results

Results of the removed gland are discussed at follow-up.

Safety

Risks and considerations

Possible risks include:

  • Facial weakness after parotid surgery, usually temporary
  • Numbness of the ear lobe
  • Frey’s syndrome, sweating of the cheek when eating
  • Bleeding or infection
  • Weakness of the lower lip after submandibular surgery
FAQ

Salivary Gland Surgery — your questions answered

Are salivary gland lumps usually cancer?

Most are benign, but they're usually removed to confirm the diagnosis.

Will my face be weak after surgery?

Temporary weakness is fairly common after parotid surgery; permanent weakness is uncommon.

Will I have a dry mouth?

Usually not, as the other salivary glands continue to work.

Can I have salivary gland surgery abroad?

Yes, provided it is a treatment the HSE would provide in Ireland, you have a referral, and it is carried out in a public or private healthcare provider in another EU/EEA country. You pay upfront and claim back up to the Irish public cost. Travel and accommodation are not covered.

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Medical disclaimer: This page is for general information only and is not medical advice. Surgery Centre is an independent information and referral service — it is not affiliated with the HSE, the Department of Health or gov.ie. Always consult your GP or a qualified medical professional about your condition, and confirm reimbursement terms directly with the HSE Cross-Border Directive office before travelling for treatment.