Sialodochoplasty Stents: Cost Analysis and Outcomes

Abstract Purpose To review a patient cohort receiving sialodochoplasty with or without salivary stent placement. We propose the Firlit-Kluge pediatric urinary catheter as an advantageous alternative stent by: determining duct patency results with stenting, looking at some advantages and disadvantages of specific stents, and providing a simple cost summary of commonly used stents. Methods A retrospective case series of patients undergoing sialodochoplasty or salivary duct surgery from 2012-2015 was undertaken at a tertiary care center. Indications, duct reconstruction results, and complications were analyzed and a comparative cost analysis was performed. Results Of 25 patients, 16 were stented with Firlit-Kluge catheters, 2 with CORFLO® ULTRA feeding tubes, 1 with a Braun Introcan Safety® IV catheter, and 6 were not stented. All 16 Firlit-Kluge stented patients had successful duct reconstruction with a patent duct orifice draining saliva on last follow-up visit and only 1 stent dislodged early. All patients that were stented with feeding tubes or the IV catheter experienced discomfort or early dislodgement of the stent. Comparing the Firlit-Kluge to commercially available salivary stents, the cost savings in the stent group using the Firlit-Kluge was $2,480.16 over Walvekar and Schaitkin stents and $880.15-1,120 over Ad-Tech-Med stents but exceeded the Braun®, Bard® urinary catheter, and CORFLO® ULTRA by $60.48, $24.64, and $258.72, respectively. Conclusions The Firlit-Kluge urinary catheter has considerable cost savings over commercial stents and its silicone makeup and ball flange enhances comfort and prevents dislodgment by aiding in suture placement.