Treatment of juvenile recurrent parotitis with irrigation therapy without anesthesia

Abstract

Abstract Purpose No standardized treatment regimen exists for juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP). The investigators hypothesized that irrigation with saline only without local anesthesia will be an effective and beneficial option. Methods Using a retrospective study design, a series of children with typical symptoms of JRP who were treated with at least one irrigation therapy were evaluated. This treatment consisted of irrigation of the affected gland with 3–10 ml saline solution without any type of anesthesia. The outcome variables were patient/parent satisfaction, frequency and duration of acute JRP episodes, and the need for antibiotics before and after irrigation therapy. Results The case series was composed of six boys aged 3.3–7.7 years who experienced one to eight sessions of irrigation therapy. The period of follow-up was 9–64 months. We observed a total resolution of symptoms in two children and an improvement in the other four. No relevant side effects were seen. Conclusion Our results suggest that irrigation therapy is a reasonable, simple, and minimally invasive treatment alternative for JRP. In contrast to sialendoscopy or sialography, there is no need for general anesthesia or radiation exposure.