Sialoendoscopy for diagnosis and treatment of non-neoplastic obstruction in the salivary glands.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to evaluate our experience with sialoendoscopies for diagnosis and treatment of obstructive disease in the large salivary glands in Eastern Denmark and to broaden awareness of the procedure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was designed including the first 100 consecutive sialoendoscopies in 91 patients performed at Hillerød Hospital and Rigshospitalet, in the 2004-2009 period.

RESULTS: The median age of the 91 patients was 45 years (range 9-74 years) with a female-to-male ratio of 1.68. A total of 53 parotid and 47 submandibular endoscopies were performed. The indications for sialoendoscopy were sialolithiasis, stenosis, recurrent swelling and recurrent infections. We found an overall success rate of 91% in 100 diagnostic endoscopies and 62% in 65 interventional endoscopies. We observed an improvement in success rates over the course of the study period. Symptom relief was obtained in 69% of the patients with pathology following intervention. No serious complications occurred.

CONCLUSION: Sialoendoscopy is a safe, effective and minimally invasive method for diagnosis and treatment of obstructive salivary gland disease.