Sialoendoscopically assisted open sialolithectomy for removal of large submandibular hilar calculi.
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.
Su
Yu-xiong
YX
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sun Yat-sen University Guanghua School of Stomatology, Guangzhou, China.
Liao
Gui-qing
GQ
Zheng
Guang-sen
GS
Liu
Hai-chao
HC
Liang
Yu-jie
YJ
Ou
De-ming
DM
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*