Step by Step Sieloendoscopy: A Review

Endoscopy: A minimally invasive new diagnostic and treatment modality for obstructive diseases of salivary glands. Obstructions due to sialolith, polyps, stricture, kink and foreign bodies are commonly seen in submandibular, parotid glands and ducts. This prevents the free flow of saliva and stagnation under pressure producing pain and swelling. Sialolithiasis is often treated by different modalities. Small stones can be removed by manipulation or use of sialogogues. Larger stones always require surgical removal of the obstruction, sometimes necessitating gland removal. The diagnosis and treatment of obstructions can be problematic because of the limitations of standard imaging technique. With the introduction of salivary gland endoscopy, there has been a major step forward not only in providing an accurate means of diagnosis and locating intraductal obstructions but also in permitting minimally invasive treatment that can successfully manage those blockages not accessible intraorally under local anaesthesia in out patient department. Parole chiave: Sialolithiasis, Sialogogues, polyps, Stricture, Kink