[Transoral removal of submandibular hilar calculi].
BACKGROUND
Sialolithiasis is the most common non-neoplastic salivary gland disease, accounting for 1.2% of the autoptic population. More than 80% of salivary calculi are located in the submandibular ductal system. Hilar calculi are usually removed by transcervical submandibular sialadenectomy. However, intra-oral removal of hilum submandibular calculi is an interesting alternative.


METHODS
The main criterion for intra-oral removal is the calculi palpability, knowing that calculi under 8mm of diameter are often treated by other techniques (sialendoscopy and lithotripsy).


METHODS
We describe a conservative and gland-preserving transoral surgical technique for hilar submandibular calculi with postoperative sialendoscopic control. The different surgical steps are illustrated.


CONCLUSIONS
Preservation of the submandibular gland has been attempted in the treatment of sialotithiasis by transoral resection of calculi from the hilum of the gland. This technique features a low morbidity and leads to a complete recovery of glandular function.
Clinique de stomatologie et de chirurgie maxillofaciale, centre hospitalier universitaire de la Timone, 264, rue Saint-Pierre, 13385 Marseille cedex 5, France. drmaxillofacial@hotmail.com
S
S
Benazzou
F
F
Salles
F
F
Cheynet
L
L
Brignol
L
L
Guyot
C
C
Chossegros
D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D003475:Curettage / Q000295:instrumentation; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods; D004724:Endoscopy; D006801:Humans; D008096:Lithotripsy; D010173:Palpation; D011182:Postoperative Care; D015494:Salivary Gland Calculi / Q000601:surgery*; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000601:surgery; D013364:Submandibular Gland Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D007507:Therapeutic Irrigation