Sialendoscopy: Minimally invasive approach to the salivary ductal system

Non-neoplastic disorders of the major salivary glands (submandibular and parotid) include idiopathic or recurrent sialadenitis subsequent to salivary stones, stenosis, infective, inflammatory, or autoimmune etiology. Traditionally, failed conservative therapy has necessitated surgical excision of the gland(s). Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that allows endoscopic visualization of the salivary ductal system and permits diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory and obstructive pathology of the ductal system, thus providing an alternative to open surgery and its related complications. In this article, the authors describe indications, operative technique, postoperative management, differences in approaches to the submandibular and parotid glands, complications of sialendoscopy, and discuss literature relevant to operative decision making.