title: Endoscopic mechanical retrieval of sialoliths.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We sought to assess the efficacy of sialoendoscopic mechanical retrieval techniques for the treatment of obstructive salivary gland disease. This study documents the authors' long-term experience with mechanical retrieval techniques, the long-term results of the procedures, the technical issues, the techniques that have been used, and the advantages and limitations of these modalities.
  
  
  METHODS
  Mechanical endoscopic techniques were used in a large referral center from 1993 to 2001 to treat 217 salivary glands for salivary gland sialolithiasis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  We found that 189 of the 217 glands with salivary gland sialolithiasis became completely symptom- and stone-free, both endoscopically and by radiographs (overall success rate, 87%). In the submandibular gland group specifically, the success rate was higher, 89%. In the parotid group, it was 83%. Follow-up was continued for 40 months after treatment. No severe complications were noted. The endoscope used was the third-generation Sialoendoscope.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The endoscopic mechanical retrieval of sialoliths is both safe and efficacious. This is an excellent method for the complete and certain removal of sialoliths, with minimal damage to the surrounding tissue.
authors.affiliation: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department, Barzilai Medical Center 78306-Ashkelon Israel. nahlieli@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Oded
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Nahlieli
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shacham
authors.forename: Tal
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Bar
authors.forename: Eli
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Eliav
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D019723:Endoscopes; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010305:Parotid Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D012465:Salivary Duct Calculi / Q000601:surgery; D015494:Salivary Gland Calculi / Q000601:surgery*; D013361:Sublingual Gland / Q000601:surgery; D013364:Submandibular Gland Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation; D016896:Treatment Outcome