What Is a Sialendoscopy?

A minimally invasive treatment for several illnesses of the salivary glands is sialendoscopy. While there are benefits over open surgery, it is not suitable for all problems related to the salivary glands.

One method that can be used to diagnose and treat diseases of the main salivary glands is sialendoscopy. The floor of your mouth and your cheeks contain these glands. They have ducts via which they release the saliva they generate into your mouth.

Because it aids in digestion, keeps your mouth moist, and guards against tooth decay, saliva is essential.

Your salivary glands may be affected by a variety of illnesses. Some of these conditions can be examined and treated by sialendoscopy, an outpatient procedure that requires little to no invasiveness.

What is sialendoscopy?

A minimally invasive surgical technique called sialendoscopy is used to identify and treat diseases of the salivary glands. diseases that specifically impact the submandibular and parotid glands, your two main salivary glands.

With the use of a tiny instrument, such as an endoscope or camera, this treatment enables medical professionals to view and occasionally treat problems with the main salivary glands.

A tiny telescoping camera, sometimes known as a micro-endoscope, is introduced into your mouth through the salivary gland’s hole. The duct is cleaned and widened, and any stones or obstructions are removed using various types of equipment.

An alternative to open surgery, which has a longer recovery period and more possible risks, is sialendoscopy.

Why is a sialendoscopy done?

The purpose of a salivary gland examination or treatment is sialendoscopy. This can include:

• Salivary stones: Small to medium-sized salivary stones in the salivary gland or ducts that might be obstructing the flow of saliva can be removed via a salivary endoscopy.
• Radiation-induced salivary gland damage (sialadenitis): Radiation therapy used to treat cancer is the cause of this enlargement of the salivary glands.
• Salivary gland strictures: There is less saliva flow as a result of the salivary gland ducts becoming narrower.
• Juvenile recurrent parotitis (JPR): The disease known as JPR results in recurrent enlargement of the parotid glands, which are the salivary glands located between the cheek and jaw.

While sialendoscopy is not a cure-all for problems involving the salivary glands, it does offer several benefits over open surgery.

One sialendoscopy’s benefits are:

• a low risk of nerve damage
• a low risk of complications
• no visible incision or scar
• no hospital time
• fast recovery
• it preserves the salivary gland

What happens during a sialendoscopy?

Typically, a sialendoscopy is an outpatient procedure. You will typically leave the hospital and return home the same day.

After arriving at the hospital:

1. There will be a general anesthetic applied to you. Sometimes, just a local anesthetic is needed for minor treatments.
2. The endoscope tool will be inserted into your salivary gland duct by your doctor.
3. The gland will be irrigated (rinsed) and cleaned of any material using the endoscope.
4. Using a variety of instruments and attachments, the surgeon will examine the gland’s interior. Stones and obstructions can be cleared out if needed.
5. If additional access is required, this method may occasionally be combined with open surgery.
6. Unless multiple stones need to be removed, the process usually takes one hour.
7. Following anesthetic recovery, you are typically allowed to return home.

How do you prepare for a sialendoscopy?

Your doctor will need to know the following before a sialendoscopy:

• your whole medical background
• every drug you presently take
• any drug allergies or reactions

Before the process, you might also have to:

• take imaging tests, like MRIs, CT scans, and ultrasounds
• take prescription drugs, either before or after the procedure, such as steroids or antibiotics.
• Observe your doctor’s dietary and beverage recommendations.

Are there risks from a sialendoscopy?

Particularly in contrast to open surgery, sialendoscopy carries a relatively low risk and low rate of complications. However, there could be some complexities.

Possible issues consist of:

• Infection: A course of antibiotics usually takes care of any infection that may have occurred.
• Bleeding: When sialendoscopy is combined with open surgery, the danger is increased.
• Nerve damage: Although there are multiple nerves close to the salivary glands, a combined open surgery technique increases the chance of injuring them.
• Salivary gland duct damage: It is possible for the ducts to become perforated, scarred, or tightened (strictures).
• Other complications: Possible consequences include a recurrence of symptoms, paresthesia (brief tingling of the lingual nerves), and ranulas (cysts inside the mouth produced by a clogged salivary gland).

What happens after a sialendoscopy?

You will typically be discharged from the hospital the same day following a sialendoscopy. The majority of patients can resume their regular activities or jobs the day following the treatment.

The post-procedure instructions provided by your doctor should be followed; these may include:

• Soft foods: While your glands heal, you will likely be on a soft food diet for one or two days.
• Pain management: Anti-inflammatory drugs, either prescription or over-the-counter, might be advised.
• Rinse with water: To prevent debris from getting into the treated region, you should rinse your mouth with water after eating.

You will require transportation from the hospital to your home if you are given general anesthesia.

Takeaway

A minimally invasive procedure called sialendoscopy is used to diagnose and treat diseases of the salivary glands. Through the mouth, a tiny camera with various tool attachments is placed into the salivary glands. There, it can clear out or enlarge the ducts as necessary.

Generally speaking, sialendoscopy is a secure and efficient substitute for open surgery. Minor problems can occur, but overall results are favorable and recovery times are short.

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