Sialendoscopy and associated complications: a preliminary experience.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To review our experience with diagnostic and therapeutic sialendoscopy for the management of major salivary gland disorders with respect to complications and also to validate its use in our patient population.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective chart review.

METHODS: We identified 56 consecutive cases of sialendoscopy procedures performed over 2 years in the Department of Otolaryngology at the University of Pittsburgh from July 2005 to August 2007.

RESULTS: The mean age of presentation was 43 (range, 7-77) years, with a male to female sex ratio of 1:2. The most common indications included sialolithiasis (52%) followed by salivary gland swelling (16%). The average size of the stones ranged from 2 to 12 mm. The overall success rate for endoscopic stone removal was 74% (14 of 19). Three (3 of 29) patients required a planned combined technique for stone removal. The overall complication rate was 25% (14 of 56). The major and minor complication rates were 2% (1 of 56) and 23% (13 of 56), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: Sialendoscopy is a safe and effective technology for treating major salivary gland disorders. In the early phases of sequential learning, complications rates are significant. However, major complications are infrequent and in general can be salvaged by standard salivary gland surgery.