Minimally Invasive Salivary Gland Endoscopic Surgery: Say Goodbye to Pain and Scars, Protect Your “Salivary Health”

 

Case Study:
“Mr. Chao, a 40-year-old patient, experienced recurrent swelling and pain in his left submandibular gland after meals for over two years. The worsening symptoms eventually impacted his work and daily life, prompting him to seek medical help. Examination revealed redness and swelling at the opening of the left submandibular gland duct, with pus discharge upon gentle pressure. Ultrasound confirmed a 1.5cm × 0.8cm stone within the duct, diagnosed as a salivary gland stone. The stone was successfully removed using minimally invasive salivary gland endoscopic surgery, resolving his symptoms.”

 

What is Minimally Invasive Salivary Gland Endoscopic Surgery?
This technique employs endoscopic technology to diagnose and treat salivary gland diseases. A thin endoscope with a micro-camera is inserted into the salivary duct, allowing direct visualization of the duct’s interior. Advantages include minimal trauma, reduced pain, rapid recovery, negligible scarring, and preservation of salivary function. It effectively treats ductal stones, strictures, infections, and inflammation.

Who Needs This Surgery?
The procedure is suitable for patients with:

• Salivary stones: Recurrent swelling (e.g., in adolescents) treated by stone extraction, avoiding gland removal.
• Duct strictures: Caused by trauma or infection; the endoscope can dilate the duct and place stents.
• Chronic parotitis: Traditional treatments are limited; endoscopic duct irrigation removes infections.
• Salivary leakage: Post-traumatic saliva leakage repaired via precise duct restoration.

Ideal candidates include those with benign conditions (stones, strictures, chronic inflammation), children, elderly patients unfit for traditional surgery, and individuals prioritizing aesthetics. Contraindications include malignant tumors, acute infections, or coagulation disorders.

Procedure Overview:

1. Preparation: Local or general anesthesia, followed by lesion localization.
2. Stone Removal: A tiny incision (0.8–2.6 mm) in the mouth or behind the ear allows endoscope insertion. Micro-baskets extract small stones, while larger stones undergo laser lithotripsy before removal.
3. Duct Dilation: Balloon dilation or silicone stents prevent recurrence.
4. Irrigation and Drainage: Infected secretions are flushed to alleviate inflammation.
5. Postoperative Care: Most patients discharge the same day with oral painkillers and follow-ups.

Five Key Advantages:

• High Success Rate: 80–90% stone clearance; >70% stricture relief.
• Scarless: Incisions hidden in the mouth or behind the ear.
• Preserved Salivary Function: Avoids dry mouth or taste abnormalities post-surgery.
• Low Complication Risk: Minimal bleeding/infection; safer for children and elderly.
• Rapid Recovery: Most resume eating and daily activities immediately.

Technological Advances:

• Single-Port Non-Insufflation Endoscopy: Reduces trauma with one incision.
• Robot-Assisted Systems: Tested in Japan/Europe for complex cases, enhancing precision.
• Pediatric Applications: Over 90% of children experience no recurrence or developmental issues post-surgery.

For ENT concerns, contact ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre . Our specialists provide detailed consultations (Tel: 3100 0555).

Source:

HK ENT Specialist Ltd.

ENT Head and Neck Surgery Centre

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