Tympanic neurectomy in the management of parotid sialectasis

The term sialectasis refers to dilatation of the salivary ducts. Parotid sialectasis presents itself as recurrent painful swellings during mastication and/or swallowing. Our results with 10 cases treated by tympanic neurectomy over a period of nine years, from 1983 to 1992, were encouraging as seven cases had improvement of their symptoms. Anatomy of the tympanic plexus and surgical procedure are discussed as well as a review of the literature. We recommend extensive interruption of the secreto-motor nerve fibres by thoroughly drilling into the hypotympanum and below the basal turn of the cochlea. We also recommend that this be carried out by an experienced otologist to avoid possible complications.