Wharton's Duct Injury as a Complication of Oral Surgery and its Management: A Clinical Case Report

Introduction: Oral surgery may be associated with intraoperative complications, such as nerve injury, hemorrhage, and other procedure-related adverse events. Wharton's duct laceration is an uncommon but significant complication involving the floor of the mouth. Owing to the region's anatomical complexity, unrecognized injuries may affect gland function and patient well-being. Case Report: A 69-year-old female patient presented with left submandibular swelling associated with a prior Wharton's duct injury. Initial management included local interventions and marsupialization; however, clinical symptoms recurred, which required submandibulectomy. The postoperative course was favorable. Discussion: Early diagnosis is key to managing submandibular duct injuries. Up to 32% of submandibulectomies are caused by chronic sialadenitis, often from prior surgical trauma. Although sialendoscopy offers a minimally invasive option, it may be limited in cases of severe fibrosis or proximal stenosis, where submandibulectomy remains the preferred treatment. Conclusion: This case highlights the importance of timely diagnosis and appropriate surgical planning to prevent complications and achieve clinical resolution.