Experimental microsurgery of salivary ducts in dogs

The results achieved by experimental microsurgical suturing of salivary ducts in dogs are presented. Nine partial lesions and one complete transection of the ducts were made on parotid and submandibular ducts. Four to seven interrupted microsutures were used for each lesion. The operations were successful in seven out of 10 cases, as observed by sialography. Histologically, granulation tissue compressing the ducts was observed after suturing the lesions. Four venous graft transplantations were performed and none were successful. After venous graft transplantation, the transplant was not apparent histologically, raising doubt as to the potential success of this technique. The use of stenting is discussed based on a summary of the published literature. Those reports indicate that long-term stenting can benefit the outcome of salivary duct repair. The use of dogs as a model for experimental salivary duct operations has been shown to be valuable in assessing various surgical techniques. Copyright 2001 European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.