Sialendoscopy for sialolithiasis: early treatment, better outcome.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate whether patients with a short-term and long-term disease course of sialolithiasis show differences in the clinical picture and the outcome after sialendoscopy.

METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the findings and clinical courses of 62 consecutive patients who received sialendoscopy for sialolithiasis.

RESULTS: In 30 patients stones could be removed by pure endoscopic means. Stone size and stone mobility were significant predictors and the duration of symptoms was a marginally significant predictor for the endoscopic removability of stones. Patients with a good outcome had a significant shorter duration of symptoms than patients with a worse outcome.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study indicate an association between the duration of symptoms and the outcome after sialendoscopy for sialolithiasis. Early sialendoscopic treatment indicates a favorable outcome and is recommended for sialolithiasis after failure of conservative treatment.