Sialendoscopy for Salivary Gland Problems
Sialendoscopy uses a very thin endoscope passed through the natural opening of the salivary duct inside the mouth, to diagnose and treat salivary gland problems without removing the gland.
Symptoms of salivary gland problems
Pain and swelling under the jaw or in front of the ear, often while eating; a dry mouth; or repeated infections of the gland.
Conditions treated
Salivary stones (sialolithiasis)
Hard deposits form in the gland or duct and block the flow of saliva, causing pain and swelling at mealtimes.
- Tests: ultrasound scan, and sometimes a CT scan
- Treatment: small stones can be removed through the endoscope with a tiny basket; larger stones may need a small cut inside the mouth or stone fragmentation
Duct narrowing (stricture)
Narrowing of the duct slows saliva flow and leads to repeated swelling and infection.
- Tests: ultrasound, and sialendoscopy to see the narrowing directly
- Treatment: widening the duct through the endoscope, with steroid rinses
Chronic inflammation and recurrent infection
Repeated swelling from inflammation, infections or autoimmune disease.
- Tests: ultrasound and blood tests where an autoimmune cause is suspected
- Treatment: washing out the duct and steroid irrigation through the endoscope, with medical treatment of the cause
Benefits
Sialendoscopy aims to preserve the gland, avoids a cut on the face or neck in most cases, and usually allows going home the same day.
Book a consultation
Call 81390 05150 or message on WhatsApp. See clinics and timings.