Salivary endoscopy, or sialendoscopy, is a minimally invasive technique for treating disorders of the salivary ducts. The most common indication for salivary endoscopy is for removal of salivary stones. Historically, the only treatment for salivary stones was to surgically remove the affected salivary gland. However, the recent development of salivary endoscopes and small tools which fit through the scope has allowed minimally invasive removal of stones without removing the gland.
This is a salivary endoscope which is introduced into the salivary ducts to allow visualization and removal of salivary stones.
Here is the image of a salivary stone in one of the salivary ducts.
This is an image of the small retrieval basket which is inserted through the scope to remove salivary stones.
This is an image of a normal salivary duct after stone removal. It is widely patent after the stone has been removed. The diameter of this duct is only about 3 mm in size.
This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, leaves no scars on the face or neck, and patients are back at work the next day without the need for pain medication. Few surgeons in Atlanta are currently performing this procedure.