[Transoral removal of submandibular hilar calculi: 36 cases].
BACKGROUND
Proximal submandibular calculi are usually removed by transcervical submandibular sialadenectomy. The aim of this study was to show that intraoral removal of hilar submandibular calculi gives the same results with fewer complications than submandibulectomy.


METHODS
The surgical indication is assessed by palpability of the stone and confirmed by simple CT scan. The surgical procedure is performed under local or general anaesthesia. At the end of the procedure, the duct is controlled with a sialendoscope to remove remaining concretions. We prospectively followed 36 patients with a mean follow-up of six months (one to 36 months).


RESULTS
The transoral removal of calculi was performed in 34 patients without any definitive neurological complication. The procedure failed in two patients with nonpalpable calculi. Two patients had a recurrence of symptoms due to small intraglandular calculi, which were evacuated later.


CONCLUSIONS
The transoral removal of submandibular hilar calculi is a safe and reproducible procedure with less morbidity than submandibulectomy. It should be recommended for posterior palpable submandibular calculi.
Salles
F
F
Service de stomatologie et de chirurgie maxillo-faciale, CHU de la Timone, boulevard Jean-Moulin, 13385 Marseille cedex 5, France.
Chossegros
C
C
Guyot
L
L
Brignol
L
L
Cheynet
F
F
Blanc
J-L
JL
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D002648:Child; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000209:etiology; D061222:Lingual Nerve Injuries; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D015494:Salivary Gland Calculi / Q000601:surgery*; D013363:Submandibular Gland / Q000601:surgery; D013364:Submandibular Gland Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed