Interventional radiology for the non-surgical removal of sialoliths.

OBJECTIVES

To clarify the usefulness and limitations of interventional radiology for sialolithiasis.

METHODS

Sixteen patients (5 with parotid and 11 with submandibular sialolithiasis) were treated with a stone retrieval catheter (Dormia basket) under fluoroscopy. Digital subtraction sialography (DSS) and direct digital dental imaging (RVG) were performed in addition for 11 of the cases (DSS for 7 and RVG for 4 cases).

RESULTS

The sialolith was successfully removed in 10 cases. DSS and RVG were useful. Four cases failed because the stone was adherent to the ductal wall and two because the catheter could not reach the stone because of the ductal anatomy.

CONCLUSION

Interventional radiology is less invasive than surgical treatment and is the recommended first choice for treatment in the majority of cases of sialolithiasis.