[Sialendoscopy: diagnostic possibilities and therapeutic options]

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Context:

• Sialolithiasis management has evolved with increased sialendoscopy (SE) availability.
• Traditional diagnostics focused on sialolith presence and size.
• SE allows detailed assessment of stone consistency, ductal mobility, stenoses, and glandular function.

Purpose:

• To review current literature and analyze 256 patient cases.
• To describe various SE-based techniques and their indications for sialolithiasis.
• To evaluate the impact of SE and combined therapies on glandular resection rates.

Summary:

• SE enhances diagnostic capabilities for sialolithiasis, assessing factors beyond stone size.
• Therapeutic options have expanded, though long-term data is pending for some.
• Combining SE techniques with laser lithotripsy and extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is effective.

Impact:

• Glandular resection rates for submandibular and parotid sialolithiasis are significantly reduced (to 5% and 1%, respectively).
• A stepwise, SE-guided approach incorporating laser lithotripsy and ESWL offers an effective treatment strategy.
• Minimally invasive interventions preserve glandular function and reduce the need for surgery.