Interventional sialoendoscopy: early clinical results

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Obstructive salivary gland disease is a common condition.
• Sialolithiasis, strictures, and mucous plugs are primary causes.
• Sialoendoscopy offers a novel approach to diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the early clinical experience with sialoendoscopy.
• To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic salivary duct exploration and sialolithectomy.
• To assess outcomes in patients with obstructive salivary gland disease.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective case series of 94 patients with submandibular or parotid sialadenitis.
• Sialoendoscopy performed at two medical centers.
• Utilized various endoscopic tools for stone fragmentation/removal, stricture dilation, and mucous plug extraction under general anesthesia.

Main Results:

• Successful salivary duct navigation in 91/94 patients.
• Symptomatic relief achieved in 89.4% of patients.
• High success rate (84.93%) for sialolith fragmentation or retrieval; 100% for strictures and mucous plugs.

Conclusions:

• Interventional sialoendoscopy is an effective treatment for obstructive salivary gland disease.
• It represents a minimally invasive alternative to traditional surgical methods.
• Early clinical experience demonstrates its feasibility and positive patient outcomes.