An Extraoral Surgical Approach to Treat Chronic Submandibular Sialolithiasis - A Case Series

Sialolithiasis is the most common cause of sialadenitis in the submandibular gland, in which the highest incidence of this condition occurs, among the major salivary glands. This could be explained by the anatomy of Wharton's duct, and the chemical composition of the saliva produced by this gland. There are several alternatives and techniques for the treatment of sialolithiasis, including lithotripsy, sialoendoscopy, and conservative removal of the sialoliths or complete removal of the submandibular gland, through the transoral and extraoral routes for access to the gland. To determine the form of treatment, characteristics such as topography, diameter, and location of the sialolith in the duct are observed. The aim of this case series was to show our experience gained in two clinical cases of submandibular gland excision through an extraoral approach, using the submandibular access technique. In addition, we discussed the cause of sialolithiasis in these patients and after follow-up, compared the clinical results we obtained with this technique with those reported in the current literature. The submandibular approach or Risdon access continues to be a safe approach to removing the submandibular gland, as it is a commonly used technique and obtained satisfactory results, as shown in these cases. However, the major disadvantages were the less favorable esthetic results and paralysis of the marginal mandibular branch of the facial nerve.