Minimally invasive surgery of sialolithiasis using sialendoscopy

Abstract Objective The introduction of minimally invasive surgical procedures using sialendoscopy has significantly reduced the rate of major salivary gland removal due to sialolithiasis. The present study assessed the utility of sialendoscopy and identified potential factors influencing successful sialendoscopic salivary stone retrieval. Methods Medical records of sialendoscopic procedures performed at the Department of Otolaryngology of the National Defense Medical College in Japan from November 2007 to January 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. We identified 78 patients diagnosed with sialolithiasis and treated with sialendoscopy (SE). Factors analyzed included stone location, size, symptom duration, surgical methods, and complications. Results The mean age at presentation was 41 years (range, 11–76 years) with a male-to-female gender ratio of 1:1.89. In total, 73 submandibular and 5 parotid endoscopies were performed. Stone size ranged from 2 to 20 mm in diameter. Submandibular stones were removed either by SE alone (9.6%), by transoral stone removal (19.2%), or a combined approach (57.5%). Only 13.7% (10/73) of the cases required submandibular gland removal. Stone size and shape were significant predictors for successful endoscopic stone removal, and stone size and location were significant predictors for submandibular gland removal. Conclusion Sialendoscopy is a reasonable, minimally invasive treatment option for sialolithiasis that avoids salivary gland removal. The present results indicate that sialendoscopy is the first treatment of choice for submandibular gland sialolithiasis. Complete surgical excision is becoming uncommon as a first-line treatment, but it remains indispensable in certain cases.