Mechanical Compression and Obstructive Causes of Submandibular Sialadenitis

Obstructive and Infectious Causes

Mechanical compression of Wharton's duct, particularly during prolonged head and neck positioning, can lead to reduced salivary flow and subsequent infection, as seen in skull base surgeries, according to the World of Neurosurgery 1, 2
Post-surgical complications, particularly following skull base neurosurgery with prolonged head rotation, can increase the risk of submandibular sialadenitis, as reported by the World of Neurosurgery 1, 2, 3

Acalculous obstruction of the submandibular duct (Wharton's duct) is a key mechanism, particularly in post-surgical cases, as noted by the World of Neurosurgery 4
Ischemia or reperfusion injury from compression of the facial or lingual artery can contribute to the development of submandibular sialadenitis, according to the World of Neurosurgery 4
Compression of the tongue by endotracheal tubes may precipitate salivary duct obstruction, as reported by the World of Neurosurgery 4

In post-surgical cases, submandibular swelling typically occurs within 4 hours of extubation, as observed by the World of Neurosurgery 5
Neurologic complications including brachial plexopathy, facial nerve palsy, and Horner syndrome may occur due to inflammatory compression of adjacent structures, as noted by the World of Neurosurgery 1