Parotid and Submandibular Gland Surgery.

Dr Kollias has a long-standing experience in surgical conditions affecting the salivary glands. These include surgical disorders of the parotid and submandibular glands. 

Parotid Surgery

The parotid salivary gland is situated in the cheek, immediately in front of and below the ear. It may sometimes be the source of chronic infections or tumours (benign or malignant) that requires excision of the gland. The operation requires general anaesthesia and an overnight stay in hospital. A one-two-week recovery period is required. The scar is usually well concealed in the skinfolds of the neck. 

Sometimes, a parotid gland may be difficult to remove due to its closeness to the facial nerve, an important nerve that supplies the muscles of the face. Nevertheless, the likelihood of a permanent facial muscle weakness is rare, with most operations having a successful outcome. Patients will experience some numbness of the skin of the ear, which will improve substantially with time. “Frey’s syndrome” is a rare phenomenon where patients may notice some moistness of the skin of the cheek on the parotidectomy side after meals. This is not bothersome enough to warrant any specific treatment, although treatments are available required.

Submandibular Gland Surgery

The submandibular gland lies just behind and below the jawbone (mandible). Like the parotid gland, it may sometimes be the source of chronic infections, stones or tumours (benign or malignant) that requires excision of the gland. The operation requires general anaesthesia and an overnight stay in hospital. A one-two-week recovery period is required. The scar is usually well concealed in the skinfolds of the neck. 

The operation is usually performed safely, with few problems and complications. Damage to the mandibular branch of the facial nerve (causing a droopy mouth) or lingual nerve (loss of time sensation) are exceedingly rare in Dr Kollias’ experience.

General and Laparoscopic Surgery

Originally trained as a general surgeon, Dr Kollias continues to offer the following general surgical procedures- 

• Gallbladder surgery (Laparoscopic cholecystectomy)
• Hernia repair 
• Appendicectomy
• Emergency general surgical conditions when required

Office Ultrasound

Dr Kollias has been performing breast and thyroid ultrasound since 2001. After attending his first ultrasound course in Vienna in 1999, he undertook further training courses in surgeon-performed ultrasound to improve his diagnostic and biopsy skills. 

Surgeon-performed ultrasound has been described as “an extension of the surgeon’s arm” and is a vital part in providing comprehensive breast and thyroid services at the surgeon’s rooms. Services include breast ultrasound, thyroid and parathyroid ultrasound, ultrasound-guided biopsy and seroma drainage as well as soft tissue and hernia ultrasound. 

Dr Kollias has conducted workshops to help train surgeons in this area, and was involved in the curriculum development for the Certificate in Clinical Performed Ultrasound (CCPU, Breast and Endocrine) under the auspices of the Australian Society of Ultrasound Medicine (ASUM) of which he is a current member.