Sonolocation during submandibular sialolithotomy

Objectives/Hypothesis Ultrasound is a proven tool for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes for treatment of salivary gland pathology. It is also useful for localization of calculi during submandibular gland transoral sialolithotomy when calculi cannot easily be palpated. Our objective was to determine the efficacy of sialolith localization using ultrasound during submandibular gland sialolithotomy. Study Design Retrospective case series. Methods A study performed utilizing data compiled from 2009 through 2016 in a tertiary academic center. Treatment was completed in 164 patients with sialadenitis and sialolithiasis by submandibular gland transoral sialolithotomy in either the office (81%) or the operating room (19%). Ultrasound was used for localization of sialoliths during submandibular gland sialolithotomy. Main treatment outcomes studied were success of the procedure, complications, and follow‐up. Results Successful sialolithotomy was performed in (147 patients) 90% of cases. Complications were minimal and included stricture formation, which occurred in 3% (five patients) of cases, followed by ranula formation in 1.8% (three patients) of cases. There were no incidences of lingual nerve injury. Conclusions Ultrasound can be used effectively for precise sialolith localization intraoperatively. Level of Evidence 4 Laryngoscope, 129:2716–2720, 2019