title: Sialoendoscopically assisted open sialolithectomy for removal of large submandibular hilar calculi.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The management of large hilar calculi is a technically challenging issue during sialoendoscopic surgery. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of sialoendoscopically assisted open sialolithectomy for the removal of large submandibular hilar calculi to avoid sialoadenectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  The present study was undertaken among patients with sialolithiasis scheduled for sialoendoscopic surgery from August 2005 to October 2008. When we failed to remove large submandibular hilar stones intraductally, we performed sialoendoscopically assisted open sialolithectomy. The clinical characteristics, pre- and intraoperative data, and outcomes were documented in a prospective fashion.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 78 consecutive patients with submandibular sialolithiasis, 18 were treated with sialoendoscopically assisted open sialolithectomy immediately after failure of intraductal removal of calculi by sialoendoscopy. For 17 patients, large hilar sialoliths were successfully removed using this surgical technique. The surgery failed in 1 patient with multiple sialoliths, and the procedure was converted to open sialoadenectomy. Temporary numbness of the tongue for 1 week postoperatively was documented in 3 patients. The patients were followed up for a median period of 18 months without any symptoms or signs of recurrence.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our results suggest that sialoendoscopically assisted open sialolithectomy is an effective and safe surgical technique to remove large submandibular hilar calculi.
authors.affiliation: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China.
authors.forename: Yu-xiong
authors.initials: YX
authors.lastname: Su
authors.forename: Gui-qing
authors.initials: GQ
authors.lastname: Liao
authors.forename: Guang-sen
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Zheng
authors.forename: Hai-chao
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Yu-jie
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Liang
authors.forename: De-ming
authors.initials: DM
authors.lastname: Ou
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019723:Endoscopes; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012465:Salivary Duct Calculi / Q000601:surgery*; D015607:Stents; D013364:Submandibular Gland Diseases / Q000601:surgery*