Sialendoscopy

What is Sialendoscopy?

Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that lets salivary gland surgery be a safe and effective treatment of obstructive salivary gland disorders and other conditions of the salivary glands. For a sialendoscopy procedure, an endoscope is placed into the salivary glands through the salivary ducts. Sialendoscopy is a simple and very efficient treatment choice for major salivary gland obstructions, salivary gland tumours, strictures and sialoliths (salivary stones). Depending on the obstruction, sialendoscopy can be conducted under local or general anaesthesia.

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Preparation for sialendoscopy 

Sialendoscopy is, generally, performed under general anaesthesia, and instructions will be given about what to eat and drink before the procedure by the doctors.

Sialendoscopy procedure 

During a sialendoscopy procedure, a 1.3 millimetre micro-endoscope is inserted into the mouth through the natural opening of the salivary gland that is being treated.

This micro-endoscope consist of three different channels, of which each one has a specific purpose:

The working channel: Which contains the tools needed to carry out the procedure, like the wire baskets used to remove a salivary gland stone or the balloons used to inflate a narrowed duct.

• The irrigation channel: This drives fluids or medication into the duct to flush out stone fragments, protein build-up and other debris.
• The camera and light: Serves as the source of light, and help the doctor and their team see throughout the procedure.

After sialendoscopy procedure

After a sialendoscopy procedure, patients are transferred to a recovery area and monitored for a short while. Most patients usually return home the same day of the procedure and will be able to return to normal after.

Some swelling and pain may occur, but this can be managed with medication.

FAQs

How long sialendoscopy recovery does takes? 

In a day or two after a sialendoscopy procedure, one should be able to resume full activity.

What are the benefits of sialendoscopy?

• No scarring. 
• Low risk of nerve damage.
• Reduced pain and swelling.
• Early discharge (the same day of the procedure).
• Rapid recovery.

What are the likely side effects and complications of sialendoscopy?

Although, most patients who undergo sialendoscopy procedure do not develop any complications. However, there is a risk of few (mostly temporary) complications.Possible sialendoscopy risks include:

• Bleeding.
• Infection.
• Nerve damage.
• Swelling.

How long does a sialendoscopy procedure take?

A sialendoscopy procedure takes approximately 1 hour.