Description

When salivary gland stones become lodged in our saliva ducts or within a gland, removal of the stone may be necessary. With the use of a new, minimally invasive technique known as a sialendoscopy, surgeons can now remove salivary stones as an outpatient procedure, enabling the patient to return to a regular diet and activity immediately after the procedure. The procedure uses a tiny telescope that is about half the size of a spaghetti noodle, which is inserted into the salivary duct through the mouth. Once inside the duct, a variety of instruments are used to clean out the duct and remove the stones. This procedure typically takes about 1 hour and is done with the patient asleep under anesthesia. Sialendoscopy is an excellent treatment for individuals who suffer from chronic salivary gland stones or those who are have larger stones that cause pain and block saliva ducts.

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