Long-term results and subjective outcome after gland-preserving treatment in parotid duct stenosis

Impact on quality of life in obstructive sialadenitis predicting outcomes after sialendoscopy

PURPOSE

Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure considered a paradigm shift in the treatment of obstructive sialadenitis. However, it shows an average need for revision procedure in up to 24% of operated cases. This study analyzed whether patient-related variables could predict the need for a revision during postoperative follow-up.

METHODS

From 2012 to 2020, this prospective comparative study analyzed demographic data as well as preoperative responses to the "Manukau Salivary Symptoms Score" (MSSS) questionnaire as predictors of the need for a revision procedure due to symptoms recurrence.

RESULTS

188 sialendoscopies (39.4% for stones/60.6% for stenoses) in 112 parotid (59.6%) and 76 submandibular glands (40.4%) were included in this study. Forty patients (21.3%) required a revision procedure. The variable "Impact on quality of life" in the preoperative period of patients with sialoliths showed that the likelihood of a revision procedure increases by 33.6% with each increase in the 10-point Likert scale presented in the MSSS (p = 0.010, OR = 1336, CI = 1.071 to 1.667). This finding was not influenced by the location of the sialolith in the duct (p = 0.415), size (p = 0.058) or number of stones (P = 0.476). Other demographic variables related to the patient showed no association with the need of a revision procedure.

CONCLUSION

Further studies should be performed to exclude the influence of other variables on the results; however, special attention should be given to patients who report a greater pre-operative impact on quality of life due to sialolithiasis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II.

Long-term outcome of a cohort of 272 patients undergoing sialendoscopy

OBJECTIVES

To assess the cohort of patients undergoing sialendoscopic intervention for improvement of symptoms and gland-related quality of life at long-term follow-up.

DESIGN

This is a retrospective review of medical records with a prospective follow-up by questionnaire.

SETTING & PARTICIPANTS

All patients undergoing sialendoscopy at the University Hospitals Leuven Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery between March 2008 and June 2020.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The electronic files of the patients were searched for information about their sialendoscopic procedure and follow-up consultations. We also send the patients a questionnaire by mail to assess symptom control and gland-related quality of life at long-term follow-up.

RESULTS

Two hundred seventy-two sialendoscopies were performed in 221 patients. Median follow-up time was 37 months. The sialendoscopies were performed in 130 patients for lithiasis, in 66 for stenosis, in 14 for recurrent parotitis of childhood, in 8 for recurrent sialadenitis of unknown origin and in 3 for radioiodine-induced sialadenitis. Complications occurred in 11 of 272 sialendoscopies (4%). Those were iatrogenic perforations, temporary lingual nerve paresthesia and swelling of the floor of the mouth. 53% of patients returned the questionnaire, for a total of 146 evaluable sialendoscopies. The majority of the responders indicated that sialendoscopy had improved their symptoms (83.6%). Salivary glands could be preserved in 89% of the responder group. The highest percentage of patients reporting residual symptoms was found in the RPC group (81.3%) and the lowest in the lithiasis group (16.2%). Besides age, no statistical differences in demographic and pathological features between the responder and non-responder groups were found, supporting generalisation of the responders' results to the entire cohort.

CONCLUSIONS

This study confirms the good long-term outcomes of sialendoscopic interventions in patients with chronic sialadenitis of different aetiologies and a high rate of gland preservation.

Botulinum toxin for chronic parotid sialadenitis: A case series and systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate salivary gland chemodenervation with botulinum toxin in chronic parotid sialadenitis.

METHODS

Patients who underwent parotid gland chemodenervation for chronic sialadenitis due to duct stenosis refractory to siaendoscopy were reviewed (case series). Additionally, a systematic review of the literature on botulinum toxin injection for chronic parotid sialadenitis was performed. Inclusion criteria included studies containing original data on botulinum toxin injections in patients with chronic sialadenitis symptoms.

RESULTS

Sialadenitis symptoms from 10 patients with 13 affected parotid glands were examined. All had duct stenosis diagnosed on sialendoscopy, refractory sialadenitis symptoms, and received parotid onabotulinum toxin injection(s) (median dose 65U). Of patients with 3-month follow-up, 78% reported significant improvement in symptoms. Mean Chronic Obstructive Sialadenitis Symptoms (COSS) Score improved at 3 months post-injection (47-25.9, P = .039) with significant reduction in gland pain frequency and gland swelling severity. No patients had a facial nerve paralysis or increased xerostomia. With the systematic review, 518 abstracts were reviewed and 11 studies met inclusion criteria and included case series or case reports with a total of 40 patients treated with botulinum toxin for chronic parotitis. Thirty-four out of a total of 35 patients in the studies (97%) reported complete (9, 26%) or partial (25, 71%) improvement in sialadenitis symptoms with minimal complications.

CONCLUSION

Parotid gland chemodenervation with botulinum toxin is a minimally invasive treatment option for symptomatic chronic sialadenitis refractory to medical treatment or sialendoscopy. Botulinum toxin injections alleviate gland pain and swelling associated with salivary obstruction and provide an alternative to parotidectomy for recurrent sialadenitis.Level of evidence: 4.

The holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy-a non-invasive tool for removal of midsize stones of major salivary glands

Incorporeal lithotripsy by using holmium:YAG laser has been recently successfully spread and used in the treatment of urolithiasis. Although this method is not as common in salivary gland surgery, it is also recommended for endoscopic treatment of sialolithiasis. In this study, we decided to analyse effectiveness of holmium:YAG laser method among patients with midsize stones as the treatment in this particular population is still not determined and remains in dispute. Thus, the primary aim of the study is a prospective, complex analysis of incorporeal holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy effectiveness and safety in patients suffering from sialolithiasis. The examined group consisted of 32 consecutive patients, 17 female (53%) and 15 male (47%). The average age was 42 (age range 22-70). In our series, sialoendoscopy with intraductal lithotripsy was performed in patients with wide range of stone's diameter (3 to 10 mm). The calculi were removed with foreign body forceps or retrieval basket, after stone fragmentation with holmium:YAG laser. The power of the laser during surgery was set at 2.5 to 3.5 W. One shot energy equalled 0.5-0.7 J with frequency of 5 Hz. The bivariate Pearson Correlation and a point-biserial correlation were used to analyse the data. Total success rate of holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy in this consecutive group was equal to 90% and efficacy in the group with excluded cases when endoscopic approach difficulties were experienced (stone not visible) reached 93%. The long-term follow-up revealed that in 26 patients (84%), complete recovery was achieved. Two patients developed Wharton's duct stenosis and one Stensen's duct orifice stenosis (9.5%), of whom one required reoperation. Two patients eventually underwent total excision of submandibular gland. Sialoendoscopy combined with incorporeal laser-assisted lithotripsy proved to be effective and safe method for treatment of sialothiasis with midsize stones (4-8 mm) in population of clinic. Even taking into account the prevalence of complications associated with holmium:YAG laser, it is still safer alternative compared to open surgery where there is a significant risk of the bleeding, wound infection or injury of the facial nerve.

Unilateral Sialendoscopy for Juvenile Recurrent Parotitis: What Happens to the Other Side?

OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS

Current literature has confirmed the benefits of sialendoscopy for the treatment of juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP). However, this procedure is often performed unilaterally, although the disease can affect both sides. This article investigated the clinical course of the contralateral parotid (CL) gland in children requiring unilateral sialendoscopy with the goal of clarifying the necessity of primary bilateral sialendoscopy.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective cohort study in a tertiary center.

METHODS

Over an eight-year period, 77 children with JRP underwent unilateral sialendoscopy. We observed the clinical course of the CL parotid over a minimum follow-up period of 24 months. New episodes of sialadenitis were recorded on both sides along with the need for a second sialendoscopy. These data were correlated with the preoperative symptoms of the contralateral side as well as ultrasound (U/S) findings at baseline assessment.

RESULTS

In total, six children required sialendoscopy on the CL side (7.8%), 62 children remained asymptomatic or with scarce swellings (80.5%), and nine children improved (11.7%). The preoperative U/S findings on the CL side positively correlated with the number of postoperative swellings. The proportion of children needing CL sialendoscopy was higher (21.4%) among children needing a second sialendoscopy on the operated side.

CONCLUSIONS

In the long term, the vast majority of children needing unilateral sialendoscopy do not require similar treatment of the CL parotid gland. However, a history of bilateral swellings along with U/S findings of parenchymal disorganization on the CL side significantly increases the risk of needing further sialendoscopy at a later time.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4 Laryngoscope, 131:1404-1409, 2021.

Success of minimally invasive salivary gland surgery-Quality of life, prognostic factors

OBJECTIVE

Goal of this study was to investigate, whether sialendoscopy in obstructive salivary gland disorders affects patients' oral health-related quality of life compared to healthy individuals, and to determine factors that might influence this relationship.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective observational study.

SETTING

University of Kiel, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

A group of 130 patients, undergoing sialendoscopy between 01/2004 and 06/2017 was considered. Oral health-related quality of life was assessed using the OHIP-G14 (Oral Health Impact Profile) in combination with a custom-made questionnaire on satisfaction and success in relation to sialendoscopy.

RESULTS

Oral health-related quality of life of patients without dentures or with removable dentures was significantly worse than in the healthy population, whereas the necessity of multiple additional follow-up treatments was associated with worse oral health-related quality of life. No essential predisposing factors were identified. Average satisfaction with the intervention was observed to be x̅ = 4.33 (SD = 3.69) on a visual analogue scale from 1 (=very satisfied) to 10 (=very unsatisfied). A longer follow-up period and a higher patients' age were positively related, whereas removal of salivary gland during follow-up was negatively related to satisfaction. In 113 cases (86.9%) long-term preservation was accomplished and 115 (88.5%) patients would repeat a sialendoscopy in case needed.

CONCLUSION

In summary, sialendoscopy resulted in long-term high subjective and objective success rates. However, oral health-related quality of life scores did not reach those levels found in the healthy population.

Do Postoperative Oral Corticosteroids Improve Results After Sialendoscopy for Ductal Stenosis?

OBJECTIVES

This study aims to review the effects of short- and long-term oral administration of postoperative corticosteroids in patients undergoing sialendoscopy for the treatment of obstructive sialadenitis due to ductal stenosis.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective comparative study.

METHODS

A prospective observational study was conducted at Manukau Surgical Center in Auckland, New Zealand, where patients undergoing sialendoscopic surgery for recurrent obstructive sialadenitis due to ductal stenoses were reviewed. Univariable and multivariable analysis, and also logistic regression were performed to identify variables correlated with the likelihood of the need for revision surgery for persistent or recurrent symptoms.

RESULTS

In this study, sialendoscopy was performed in 142 patients: 162 parotid glands (86.6%) and 25 submandibular glands (13.4%). Postoperative oral steroids were prescribed for 48 patients (34%); 19 (13%) were prescribed for less than 7 days and 29 (20%) for more than 7 days. In total, 33 patients (23.2%) required a revision sialendoscopy during follow-up due to recurrence of symptoms. Oral steroids prescribed for more than 7 days after a sialendoscopy reduced the likelihood of a revision procedure by 93% when compared with patients who did not receive this medication, and by 96% when compared with patients who received steroids for less than 7 days.

CONCLUSION

The results showed that in our population oral administration of corticosteroids for more than 7 days after sialendoscopy for the treatment of recurrent obstructive sialadenitis due to ductal stenosis markedly reduced the need for later revision surgery. Routine use of corticosteroids for more than 7 days is recommended after sialendoscopy in patients with ductal stenosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II Laryngoscope, 131:E1503-E1509, 2021.

Sialographic analysis of parotid ductal abnormalities associated with Sjogren's syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the location and degree of parotid ductal abnormalities associated with Sjogren's syndrome (SS) and to correlate findings with the duration of the disease. To develop a classification system based on contemporary sialography techniques and employ the system to grade findings on sialograms. To assess the role for therapeutic intervention in patients with SS.

METHODS

Retrospective chart review of a consecutive series of 337 sialograms done by the senior investigator over a 10-year period identified 26 sialograms in patients who met the criteria for SS as defined by the American-European Consensus Group (2002). A classification system was developed to grade the degree of ductal abnormalities identified on the sialograms. Individual, initial blinded review of these sialograms was performed by two head and neck radiologists to identify and grade abnormalities. Radiographic findings were correlated with patient history including symptom duration.

RESULTS

All patients with SS had stenoses within the ductal system. About 73.1% of patients had stenoses in each branch of the ductal system (primary, secondary, and tertiary ducts). In 19% of patients, the main duct was of normal caliber despite the presence of stenosis in the more proximal ducts (secondary and tertiary ducts). Peripheral (proximal) duct dilation was characterized among those affected in patterns classified as destructive (34.6%), cavitary (26.9%), globular (11.5%), or punctate (11.5%). A statistically significant positive correlation (p = .0360) was identified between symptom duration and degree of main ductal stenosis.

CONCLUSION

Sialography may be useful to objectively assess the degree of parotid ductal damage in SS employing a newly proposed classification system. This assessment may assist clinicians in tailoring management to selectively include ductal dilation.

Efficacy of Sialendoscopy in the Management of Noncalculi-Related Sialadenitis

PURPOSE

Sialendoscopy has effectively changed the paradigm for the treatment of sialolithiasis. Its effect on noncalculi-related recurrent sialadenitis is, however, unclear, especially regarding the long-term outcomes. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the long-term efficacy of sialendoscopy for noncalculi-related recurrent sialadenitis and determine the clinical and intraoperative features that might be prognosticate outcomes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We performed a prospective cohort study of 33 consecutive patients who had undergone sialendoscopy for recurrent noncalculi-related sialadenitis by a single surgeon in a tertiary institution from January 2010 to December 2016. The patient-reported outcome measures were used as the primary determinant of treatment efficacy. The clinical features and endoscopic findings were evaluated as variables that might predict the treatment outcomes. The Fischer exact test was used to analyze the descriptive data, and a P value of < .05 was considered to indicate statistical significance.

RESULTS

Of the 33 patients with recurrent noncalculi-related sialadenitis, 1 was lost to follow-up and thus excluded from the analysis. The mean and median follow-up period for the 32 patients was 27 and 21.5 months, respectively. Of the 33 patients, 28 (87.5%) reported symptom improvement, and 19 patients (59.4%) were symptom free after a single sialendoscopic treatment. The chronicity of symptoms, younger patient age, and concurrent autoimmune disease were predictive of recurrent symptoms despite sialendoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of sialendoscopy achieved sustained long-term improvements or resolution of symptoms for most patients with recurrent noncalculi-related sialadenitis. The data from our study support the benefits of sialendoscopy for patients with recurrent noncalculi-related sialadenitis.

Botulinum toxin for ductal stenosis and fistulas of the main salivary glands

This study was performed to present the authors' experience with botulinum toxin therapy for salivary stenosis and salivary fistula in terms of the procedure, dosage, effectiveness, and complications. A retrospective study of all patients treated in the maxillofacial surgery department for salivary stenosis or fistula from January 2014 to September 2018 was performed. Intraglandular injections of incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin) were utilized. The frequency of relapse and the pain recorded before injection and at 3 months after each injection or fistula resolution were assessed. Swallowing dysfunction or any diffusion of toxin into the facial muscles was recorded. This study included 22 patients (mean age 53 years). Botulinum therapy was indicated for parotid duct stenosis in 14 patients, submandibular duct stenosis in four patients, and parotid fistula in four patients. The frequency of relapse (P =  0.0001) and pain level (P =  0.0001) decreased after botulinum therapy. The average duration of the botulinum effect was 4.50±2.00 months after the first injection. No complication was observed. Botulinum therapy with 100 IU of Xeomin proved effective at resolving salivary fistula. Botulinum therapy is an effective treatment for symptoms of salivary duct stenosis in patients for whom minimally invasive procedures have failed. Botulinum therapy can also be used for the treatment of salivary fistulas.

Removal of stones from the superficial lobe of the submandibular gland (SMG) via an intraoral endoscopy-assisted sialolithotomy

OBJECTIVES

Sialolithiasis is the most common cause of chronic sialadenitis of the submandibular gland (SMG). Symptomatic superficial lobe stones are often treated by submandibulectomy. A gland preserving operation allows for transoral stone removal through endoscopically assisted sialolithotomy. Herein, we provide clinical and sonographical follow-up data in patients who underwent sialolithotomy under general anesthesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty patients treated at the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Düsseldorf University Hospital for superficial lobe sialolithiasis of SMG were included in this study. All received transoral sialolithotomy under general anesthesia. Follow-up was conducted via standardized patient questionnaires, clinical examination, and B-mode and color Doppler sonography.

RESULTS

Mean patient age was 48.9 years. 56.6% of right and 43.4% of left SMG were affected. Mean follow-up was 45 months. Fifty-five of 59 detected stones could be removed. Mean operation time was 71 min. 3.3% of patients reported recurrent episodes of postoperative pain and 10% felt recurrent episodes of gland swelling. Persistent postoperative lingual nerve hypesthesia was described in one patient. No facial nerve damages occurred. Salivary flow rates remained reduced in most of the affected glands upon stone removal. Sonographical follow-up data of the previously affected SMG after intraoral endoscopy-assisted sialolithotomy showed a regular gland size in 70.8% of cases, a parenchyma free of inflammation in 93.8%, and without signs of fibrosis in 72.9% of cases. 68.7% of patients showed a regular structure of Wharton's duct at time of follow-up. In total, 89.6% of patients were diagnosed stone-free within both glands on follow-up. No case required subsequent submandibulectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Sialolithotomy of Wharton's duct for removal of stones from the SMG's superficial lobe is a promising alternative to submandibulectomy.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Reduction of postoperative morbidity through endoscopically assisted sialolithotomy for removal of superficial lobe stones from SMG.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Ethics Committee of Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf (no. 5586).

Costs of sialendoscopy and impact on health-related quality of life

Purpose

To analyse costs related to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with sialolithiasis and sialadenitis managed with sialendoscopy, and to prospectively evaluate the impact of sialendoscopy on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in a longitudinal follow-up study.

Methods

All patients undergoing sialendoscopy or sialendoscopy-assisted surgery at a tertiary care university hospital between January 2014 and May 2016 were identified from a surgical database, and the direct hospital costs were retrospectively evaluated from 1 year before to 1 year after the sialendoscopy. The 15D HRQoL questionnaire and a questionnaire exploring the use of health care services during the preceding 3 months were mailed to the patients before sialendoscopy as well as at 3 and 12 months after the operation.

Results

A total of 260 patients were identified. Mean total hospital costs, costs related to the sialendoscopy, and complications were significantly higher in sialolithiasis patients than in patients with other diagnoses. 74 patients returned the baseline 15D questionnaire, and 51 patients all three 15D questionnaires. At baseline, the dimensions “discomfort and symptoms” and “distress” were lower in patients than in age- and gender-standardised general population, but the total 15D score did not differ significantly. The dimension “discomfort and symptoms” improved significantly at 3 and 12 months postoperatively, and the mean total HRQoL score improved in patients with sialolithiasis at 3 months postoperatively.

Conclusions

The costs related to sialendoscopy are substantial and the cost-effectiveness of sialendoscopy warrants further studies. However, sialendoscopy seems to reduce patients’ discomfort and ailments and to improve HRQoL at least in patients with sialolithiasis.

Salivary duct stenosis: diagnosis and treatment

The management of stenoses of the major salivary glands had undergone a significant change during the last 15-20 years. Accurate diagnosis forms the basis of adapted minimal invasive therapy. Conventional sialography and MR-sialography are useful examination tools, and ultrasound seems to be a first-line investigational tool if salivary duct stenosis is suspected as cause of gland obstruction. Sialendoscopy is the best choice to establish final diagnosis and characterise the stenosis in order to plan accurate treatment. In all major salivary glands, inflammatory stenosis can be distinguished from fibrotic stenosis. In the parotid duct system, an additional stenosis associated with various abnormalities of the duct system has been reported. Conservative therapy is not sufficient in the majority of cases. The development of a minimally invasive treatment regime, in which sialendoscopy plays a major role, has made the preservation of the gland and its function possible in over 90% of cases. Ductal incision procedures are the most important measure in submandibular duct stenoses, but sialendoscopy becomes more important in the more centrally located stenoses. Sialendoscopic controlled opening and dilation is the dominating method in parotid duct stenoses. In 10-15% of cases, success can be achieved after a combined treatment regime had been applied. This review article aims to give an overview on the epidemiology, diagnostics and current state of the art of the treatment of salivary duct stenoses.

Outcomes of interventional sialendoscopy for obstructive salivary gland disorders: an Italian multicentre study

Interventional sialendoscopy has become the predominant therapeutic procedure for the management of obstructive salivary disorders, but only a few multicentre studies of large series of patients with a long-term follow-up have been published. This Italian multicentre study involved 1152 patients (553 females; mean age 50 years) who, after at least a clinical and ultrasonographic evaluation, underwent a total of 1342 diagnostic and interventional sialendoscopies, 44.6% of which involved the parotid gland. 12% (n = 138) of patients underwent multiple treatments. The procedure was successful in 1309 cases. In 33 cases (2.4%) the procedure could not be concluded mainly because of complete duct stenosis (21 cases). Salivary stones were the main cause of obstruction (55%), followed by ductal stenosis and anomalies (16%), mucous plugs (14.5%) and sialodochitis (4.7%). Complete therapeutic success was obtained in 92.5% of patients after one or more procedures, and was ineffective in < 8%. Untoward effects (peri and postoperative complications) were observed in 5.4% of cases. Sialendoscopy proved to be an effective, valid and safe procedure in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of non-neoplastic obstructive salivary gland diseases.

Diagnostic and treatment effects of sialendoscopy for patients with swelling of the parotid gland when sialoliths are undetected with computed tomography

Between August 2009 and May 2016, 74 patients underwent sialoendoscopic surgery. 32 patients had parotid gland disease and 9 patients had intermittent swelling of the parotid gland and sialoliths were not detected with CT imaging. 4 patients were diagnosed with idiopathic Stensen's duct stenosis. Sialendoscopy directly confirmed Stensen's duct stenosis in 2 patients. However, the sialendoscope was unable to be inserted in the other 2 patients, who had stenosis of the orifice of the Stensen's duct. Balloon expansion of the duct was performed in these 2 patients and a steroid drug was injected into the duct in one patient. Complete remission was archived in one patient treated with sialendoscopy. Three patients had sialolithiasis. Microsialoliths and/or white floating matter was observed and removed using sialendoscopy. All patients experienced complete remission. In cases of Sjögren syndrome and recurrent parotitis, sialendoscopic surgery was performed, but the symptoms showed no improvement. For patients with microsialoliths, sialendoscopy may be most useful for diagnosis and treatment when the sialoliths are not detected with CT imaging. At present, sialendoscopic surgery have limitation in the treatment of Stensen's duct stenosis and may similarly have limitation in the treatment of Sjögren's syndrome and recurrent parotitis.

Clinical outcomes and prognostic factors of sialendoscopy in salivary duct stenosis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

This study aimed to analyze the clinical outcomes of sialendoscopy in patients with salivary duct stenosis and to investigate factors associated therewith.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective case series.

METHODS

This study included 47 patients with salivary stenosis who underwent sialendoscopy between January 2014 and December 2015. Subjective symptom, salivary flow rate, salivary scintigraphy, and radiologic evaluation using magnetic resonance (MR) sialography were performed preoperatively; direct ductal findings were evaluated during sialendoscopy. Univariate and multivariate analyses of factors influencing the patient-reported outcomes (complete, partial, or no improvement at 3 months after sialendoscopy) were conducted.

RESULTS

Stenosis severity was graded according to sialendoscopic findings. Seventeen patients were classified with grade I stenosis, 18 patients with grade II stenosis, and 12 patients with grade III stenosis. Symptoms completely disappeared in 21 patients (44.7%) after sialendoscopic procedures. In 19 patients (40.4%), symptoms were partially improved. Seven patients (14.9%) showed no improvement or worsening of symptoms. In univariate analysis, symptom score, stimulatory salivary flow rate, T_min (time interval from stimulation to minimal count on salivary scintigraphy), type of stenosis on MR sialography, and sialendoscopic grade were found to be significantly associated with treatment outcomes. In multivariate analysis, T_min , stenosis type of MR sialography, and sialendoscopic grade remained significantly associated with outcomes after sialendoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Sialendoscopic procedures were found to be clinically satisfactory for relieving the symptoms of patients with salivary stenosis. Factors related to the severity of ductal stenosis such as T_min , stenosis type of MR sialography, and sialendoscopic grade were significantly associated with the success of sialendoscopic treatment for salivary duct stenosis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 128:878-884, 2018.

Gland Preservation in Patients Undergoing Sialoendoscopy

Objective Sialoendoscopy is a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of obstructive sialadenitis. We aim to describe treatment considerations and report our ultimate rate of gland preservation. Study Design Case series with chart review. Setting Academic tertiary hospital. Subject and Methods A total of 128 consecutive sialoendoscopy cases for obstructive sialadenitis between 2009 and 2015 were evaluated. Procedures included endoscopic stricture dilation, basket-assisted stone retrieval, Holmium laser lithotripsy, and combined endoscopic transoral stone excision. Resolution of symptoms, need for additional procedures, and rate of subsequent adenectomy were investigated. Results Sialoendoscopy was completed in 120 of 128 patients (94%). There were 87 parotid gland cases and 41 submandibular gland cases. Endoscopic stricture dilation was attempted in 97 patients and successful in 99%. A sialolith was identified in 31 cases and removed by basket-assisted stone retrieval (10 cases), Holmium:YAG laser stone fragmentation (10 cases), and combined endoscopic transoral stone extraction (4 cases). In 8 cases overall, sialoendoscopy failed, with immediate adenectomy. At a mean follow-up of 18 months, 39 patients (33%) reported recurrence of symptoms, with 90% in the stricture group. For the entire cohort, gland preservation occurred in 112 of 128 patients (88%). Conclusions Sialoendoscopy is an effective technique, with few patients requiring additional procedures. Newer interventional approaches allow for stone retrieval without adenectomy. Patients in the stricture group were more likely to have recurrent symptoms as compared with the sialolithiasis group but often benefit from additional sialoendoscopic procedures, leading to a high overall rate of long-term gland preservation of 91%.

Sialendoscopy for non-stone disorders: The current evidence

OBJECTIVE

Review the current literature on the use of sialendoscopy in the treatment of non-stone disorders of the major salivary glands.

DATA SOURCES

Eligible articles that reported on the use of sialendoscopy in the treatment of non-stone disorders were identified using MEDLINE, Embase, and Google Scholar through May 2016. The search used key words sialendoscopy, salivary endoscopy, salivary scope, salivary duct stenosis, salivary duct stricture, Sjogren's disease, radioiodine sialadenitis, salivary duct obstruction, sialadenitis, chronic sialadenitis, juvenile recurrent parotitis, parotitis, and radiation sialadenitis.

REVIEW METHODS

Full-length prospective and retrospective original articles; systemic reviews; and meta-analysis, including adults and children with adequate data for evaluating the sialendoscopy for non-stone disorders, were included. Individual case reports were excluded.

RESULTS

There is an increasing trend for the use of sialendoscopy for salivary obstruction caused by a wide variety of non-stone disorders worldwide. The studies of sialendoscopy for non-stone disorders are often retrospective, of smaller sample size, and more subjective in measurement of patient outcome. The most common indications currently for the procedure are scars, juvenile recurrent parotitis, radioiodine sialadenitis, and Sjögren syndrome, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Although the initial evidence for the use of sialendoscopy for non-stone disorders is not as established as that for stones, it remains a promising gland-preserving tool in the management of non-stone disorders of major salivary glands.

Extended and treatment-oriented classification of parotid duct stenosis

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To provide an extended and treatment-oriented classification of parotid duct stenosis that might be useful in the management of this condition.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective study in a tertiary referral center.

METHODS

A total of 550 symptomatic stenoses of the parotid gland excretory duct in 445 patients were analyzed. Sialendoscopy was performed with semirigid endoscopes. The tissue quality, location, grade of luminal narrowing, and length and number of the stenoses were assessed.

RESULTS

Inflammation-dominant stenosis (type 1) was found in 8.9% of the patients, web-associated fibrous stenosis (type 2) in 19.5%, and fibrous (type 3) in 71.6%. Multiple stenoses (≥3) were found in 2.8% of patients, and bilateral stenoses in 11.9%. Type 1 stenoses differed significantly from type 3 stenoses, with lower grades. Type 3 stenoses showed significantly higher grades of luminal narrowing than the other two types (P = .0001). Type 2 stenoses were significantly shorter in comparison with the other two types (P = .0001). Multiple stenoses were observed significantly more often in type 2 than in type 3 stenoses (P = .0001). Due to these differences, the type of stenosis appears to be the most important criterion in the treatment-oriented classification.

CONCLUSIONS

Significant differences between the different stenoses were observed. Type 1 stenosis may be considered as a precursor of type 3 stenosis, but type 2 stenosis showed significantly different characteristics. The differences prescribed in this classification may be helpful in the management of parotid duct stenoses.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

4. Laryngoscope, 2016 127:366-371, 2017.

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) sialography--an adjunct to salivary gland ultrasonography in the evaluation of recurrent salivary gland swelling

OBJECTIVE

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) sialography could help improve the visualization of the ductal system of salivary glands. The aim of this retrospective investigation was to monitor the use of CBCT sialography for the diagnosis of pathologies within the intraglandular ductal system when ultrasonography was inconclusive.

STUDY DESIGN

Fourteen consecutive patients suffering from recurrent swelling of a major salivary gland were evaluated. In 12 patients (8 female; 4 male; average age 46 years), a radiopaque contrast agent could be injected into the ductal system, followed by a routine CBCT. Four blinded examiners evaluated the acquired data sets retrospectively.

RESULTS

CBCT revealed seven stenosis, two salivary stones, one complete duct atresia, one intraglandular duct ectasia, and one regular duct system. Three of the detected pathologies were strictly intraglandular.

CONCLUSIONS

CBCT sialography shows promise as a supplementary noninvasive diagnostic tool for the visualization of the intraglandular ductal system of the major human salivary glands. Controlled studies to further validate this method should be undertaken.