Keypoints:
Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive technique, which offers direct intraluminal visualization of both the submandibular and the parotid glandular ducts. It offers diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities and can be performed under local or general anesthesia. This technique preserves the gland, using smaller or no incisions, improves glandular function and shortens the recovery period as compared to gland removing approaches.1
Minimally invasive techniques are a trend seen in every field of surgery.2 Gundlach and Katz introduced flexible endoscopes into the salivary duct for the first time in the early ‘90s.1 Marchal was the first to introduce a more practical semirigid modular endoscope.3 Progressively, micro-instruments were developed allowing treatment, like the retrieval of stones with forceps or baskets, the dilatation of stenotic ducts, the removal of granulation tissue, and the treatment of radioiodine-induced sialadenitis and recurrent parotitis of childhood (RPC).4-6 Association with extracorporeal shock wave or intracorporeal pneumatic or laser lithotripsy now also enables us to remove stones larger than 4mm, which initially formed a restriction of the endoscopic approach.4
Studies have shown that salivary gland diseases have a significant impact on the patient’s quality of life.7
Sialolithiasis is the major cause of salivary gland diseases, estimated to contribute to 50-66% of all observed problems.4 It is most common in the submandibular gland (80-95%), followed by the parotid gland (5-20%), and rarely occurs in the sublingual gland and the minor salivary glands (2%).4,8 Salivary duct scarring is seen in 25%, making it the second most common cause of obstructive disease. It is most common in the parotid gland (75%).2 In patients with obstructive gland disease, initial treatment should be conservative.4 If this approach fails, sialendoscopy should be considered rather than an open surgical approach. Success rates of therapeutic sialendoscopy range between 85% and 95%, thus drastically reducing the need for removal of the gland and the risk of complications.4 The patient-perceived benefit and the improvement in quality of life has been demonstrated earlier.9-12 This study aims to evaluate the results and complications that were encountered during our 12-year experience with sialendoscopy at the <Blinded for review> department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, to see whether the alleged advantages could also be confirmed in our cohort.