Combined endoscopic and transcutaneous approach for immobile parotid stones.

CONCLUSION

Salivary stones in the parotid gland that are not amenable to endoscopic extraction can safely be removed by a combined, endoscopic-external approach.

OBJECTIVE

Limitations for endoscopic removability of salivary stones from the parotid gland are immobile stones in the deeper salivary duct system. A combined endoscopic and transcutaneous approach gives access to these stones with possible preservation of the parotid gland.

METHODS

A total of 10 consecutive patients were treated using the combined approach for the management of sialolithiasis of the parotid gland. The patients had previously undergone a sialendoscopy under local anesthesia and were proven to have large, immobile salivary stones in the salivary duct.

RESULTS

In all patients, the procedure was successfully conducted with extraction of impacted stones. In 60% of the patients, a temporary stenting of the salivary duct was performed. All patients showed good clinical results with restored drainage of the salivary duct system and preserved gland function.