The salivary(submandibular) gland is removed under a general anaesthetic The procedure usually takes approximately 1 hour. It involves a cut around two inches long in the upper part of the neck just below the jaw line. If the gland is being removed because of infection that is caused by a stone it may also be necessary to make a cut inside the mouth to remove that stone. Once the gland has been removed the wound is closed with stitches. At the end of the operation a small tube is usually placed through the skin into the underlying wound to drain any blood, which is usually removed the morning after surgery.