Surgical navigation in parotid sialolith extraction.

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Innovation
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Posterior parotid lithiasis can necessitate complex surgical interventions.
• Combined approaches involving sialendoscopy and external techniques are sometimes required.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe a surgical technique for parotid lithiasis extraction using a combined external and sialendoscopic approach aided by CT-navigation.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of this combined technique.

Main Methods:

• A single-center retrospective study involving five patients between November 2014 and July 2020.
• Utilized a combined external and sialendoscopic approach with CT-navigation for sialolith extraction.
• Assessed localization accuracy, surgical outcomes, and postoperative complications.

Main Results:

• Sialolith extraction was successful in 100% of cases.
• CT-navigation and transillumination showed consistent localization.
• No postoperative facial paresis was observed, and no recurrence occurred at follow-up (2-21 months).

Conclusions:

• The combined external and sialendoscopic approach with CT-navigation is effective and safe for parotid sialolith extraction.
• CT-navigation complements transillumination, enhancing surgical comfort and safety.
• This technique offers a viable alternative to parotidectomy for challenging cases, especially with stenosis.