Sialendoscopy: alternative for the treatment of glandular pathology

Sialoendoscopy is a minimally invasive technique that allows exploration of the salivary gland ducts.

How does glandular pathology occur?

Saliva, which is essential for the swallowing and feeding process, is produced mainly in the major salivary glands (submaxillary and parotid), which are paired and located in the lateral region of the face and under the jaw. These glands drain saliva into the mouth through Stenon’s duct (parotid gland) and Wharton’s duct (submaxillary gland).

These glands can become inflamed for different reasons, the most frequent being the presence of small stones or calculi; this situation is called sialolithiasis.

What are the main symptoms?

The main symptoms are intense pain and local inflammation, usually associated with meals, since the saliva cannot be expelled and accumulates in the glandular tissue. When these episodes are repeated frequently, there is a risk of destructuring and malfunction of the affected salivary gland.

Classically the therapeutic option was the complete removal of the salivary gland (submaxillectomy or parotidectomy) through an incision made in the skin of the neck or face.

What does sialoendoscopy consist of?

Sialoendoscopy allows, under general anesthesia or in some cases under sedation and local anesthesia, to explore these ducts through very fine cannulas and endoscopes. Most of the time it allows to show if there are stones, and in many occasions to extract them through the duct by means of specific instruments (endoscopic baskets).

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Not only is sialoendoscopy useful for the extraction of calculi, it is also very beneficial for the patient to wash the duct with physiological saline to clean the ductal grit that accumulates, as well as for the instillation of local corticosteroids inside the ducts and, in this way, resolve inflammatory episodes that are difficult to treat.

What is the postoperative period like?

After the operation, no special care is needed. In the first days we recommend avoiding foods that stimulate saliva production such as citrus fruits and vinegars. We usually recommend an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory as a preventive measure after the operation.