Endoscope-assisted submandibular sialoadenectomy: a pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
To describe an endoscopic technique for submandibular sialoadenectomy in humans, as well as the equipment, instrumentation, and pertinent anatomy.


METHODS
Six submandibular sialoadenectomies were carried out in 5 patients (3 women, 2 men; mean age, 26.6 years; range, 16 to 42 years) via a 15 to 20 mm neck incision for insertion of the endoscopic camera and surgical instruments.


RESULTS
All operations were successful without conversion to an open surgery. Operative time was 20 to 120 minutes (mean, 65 minutes). All patients were discharged the day after surgery. There were no postoperative complications (hematoma, nerve injury, infection). All patients experienced a mild degree of edema, which had resolved totally at the 6-month follow-up visit. All patients were satisfied with the outcome and especially the cosmetic result.


CONCLUSIONS
Absence of extensive scars, nontraumatic dissection, and magnification of anatomic structures are the most obvious advantages of this innovative technique.
Meningaud
Jean-Paul
JP
Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France. meningaud@noos.fr
Pitak-Arnnop
Poramate
P
Bertrand
Jacques-Charles
JC
D008949:Adenoma, Pleomorphic / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004210:Dissection / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D019723:Endoscopes; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery; D010351:Patient Discharge; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012793:Sialadenitis / Q000601:surgery; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000098:blood supply / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery*; D013365:Submandibular Gland Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors