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A Pilot Study to Assess the Sialendoscopy-Assisted Transfacial Approach in Parotid Gland Sialolithiasis
Carlos Miguel Chiesa-Estomba1, Carlos Saga-Gutierrez1, Ekhiñe Larruscain1
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery,16881Hospital Universitario Donostia, Donosti-San Sebastian, Guipuzkoa, Basque, Spain.
Introduction:
Twenty percent of the total lithiasis that affect a major salivary gland will be found in the parotid gland. An exclusive sialoendoscopic approach has achieved success rates close to 80%. In a significant percentage of these remaining cases, combined transfacial approaches assisted by sialendoscopy are presented as an option to be taken into account.
Patients And Methods:
A prospective analysis of cases treated by combined transfacial approach assisted by sialendoscopy for lithiasis of the parotid gland and the impact of the facial nerve stimulator used during surgery.
Results:
Five patients were included; all of them operated satisfactorily. In 4 of them, the approach proposed by McGurk and modified by Capaccio was used, and in 1 of them, the approach proposed by Nahlieli was used. We suffered a complication in just case due to the appearance of postoperative sialocele.
Conclusion:
According to our results and those previously published, the transfacial approach assisted by sialendoscopy can be considered a useful technique. Proper planning ensures an optimal result in the treatment of parotid gland lithiasis. The use of facial nerve stimulator guarantees extra security when working near to a branch of the facial nerve is suspected.
