[Transoral removal of submandibular hilar calculi]

Sialolithiasis is the most common non-neoplastic salivary gland disease, accounting for 1.2% of the autoptic population. More than 80% of salivary calculi are located in the submandibular ductal system. Hilar calculi are usually removed by transcervical submandibular sialadenectomy. However, intra-oral removal of hilum submandibular calculi is an interesting alternative.

The main criterion for intra-oral removal is the calculi palpability, knowing that calculi under 8mm of diameter are often treated by other techniques (sialendoscopy and lithotripsy).

We describe a conservative and gland-preserving transoral surgical technique for hilar submandibular calculi with postoperative sialendoscopic control. The different surgical steps are illustrated.

Preservation of the submandibular gland has been attempted in the treatment of sialotithiasis by transoral resection of calculi from the hilum of the gland. This technique features a low morbidity and leads to a complete recovery of glandular function.