Interventional radiology in the removal of salivary calculi.
OBJECTIVE
To prospectively investigate the efficacy of a wire basket extractor in the retrieval of salivary calculi and establish selection criteria for suitable cases.


METHODS
Twenty-five consecutive patients (14 male, 11 female; age range, 13-69 years) with salivary calculi (20 submandibular, five parotid) were treated by using a commercially available wire basket extractor with intermittent fluoroscopic guidance.


RESULTS
Elimination of calculi was accomplished in 10 (40%) cases. In an additional seven (28%) cases, either part of the calculus was removed or whole calculi were removed with others remaining. Failure to retrieve any stone occurred in eight (32%) cases. The most common cause of failure was attachment of the calculus to the duct wall.


CONCLUSIONS
Interventional radiology provides a useful adjuvant method of calculus removal and complements extracorporeal lithotripsy. Basket retrieval of calculi has low morbidity and is rapid and less invasive than traditional surgery. It is most effective in retrieving mobile stones in the extraglandular parotid and submandibular ducts.
Drage
N A
NA
Department of Dental Radiology, UMDS, Guy's Dental Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Brown
J E
JE
Escudier
M P
MP
McGurk
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005471:Fluoroscopy; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010305:Parotid Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D020792:Salivary Calculi / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D012796:Sialography; D013364:Submandibular Gland Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome