Foreign body induced sialolithiasis treated by sialoendoscopic intervention

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Sialolithiasis Research

Background:

• Sialolithiasis, or salivary stone formation, can be idiopathic or secondary to foreign body impaction.
• Understanding the etiology of foreign body-induced sialolithiasis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the role of foreign bodies in sialolithiasis.
• To evaluate the efficacy of sialoendoscopic intervention for foreign body-induced sialolithiasis.

Main Methods:

• A cohort of 13 patients with foreign body-induced sialolithiasis underwent radiographic examination.
• Sialoendoscopic procedures were performed for diagnosis and stone removal.
• Treatment protocols were designed post-intervention.

Main Results:

• All patients presented with stones in the submandibular gland ducts.
• 11 patients recalled a fish bone injury, consistent with their seafood-rich diet and occupations (e.g., fishermen).
• Sialoendoscopy successfully removed 16 stones, revealing fish bone fragments in most cases, leading to symptom relief.

Conclusions:

• Foreign body migration, particularly fish bones, is a significant cause of sialolithiasis in the submandibular glands.
• Sialoendoscopic intervention is an effective treatment for foreign body-induced sialolithiasis.
• Occupational and dietary factors, such as being a fisherman and consuming seafood, are associated with fish bone-induced sialolithiasis.