Sialendoscopy learning curve: comparing our first and last 100 procedures

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Sialendoscopy is a key minimally invasive technique for diagnosing and treating obstructive sialadenitis.
• Understanding the learning curve is crucial for optimizing its application.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the learning curve of sialendoscopy.
• To assess changes in technique and outcomes over time.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of the first 100 and last 100 sialendoscopies.
• Analysis of anesthesia type, operative time, success rates, and complications.

Main Results:

• Significant decrease in general anesthesia use (63% to 38%) and operative time for diagnostic sialendoscopy (39 to 25 minutes).
• Improved success rates for stone extraction (65% to 90.2%).
• No major complications reported in either group.

Conclusions:

• Sialendoscopy proficiency increases with experience, allowing for more local anesthesia use.
• Reduced operative times and improved outcomes support integrating sialendoscopy into diagnostic protocols for obstructive salivary gland diseases.