Transoral removal of submandibular hilar stone and sialodochoplasty

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of intraoral stone removal and sialodochoplasty in 59 patients with hilar submandibular stones. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients underwent complete stone removal without significant complications, and five had unsuccessful removal of stones. The 54 patients with successful stone removal were randomized to additional sialodochoplasty (n = 28) or not (n = 26). Salivary scintigraphy was performed before and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: Salivary secretory function of the affected gland was less than that of a normal gland but returned to normal after stone removal. Symptom recurrence and recovery of salivary gland function were not affected by sialodochoplasty; rather, they were affected by successful removal of the stones. CONCLUSION: Hilar submandibular stones can be transorally removed with high success rate, low-level risk, and substantial recovery of gland function. Sialodochoplasty may have no effect in preventing symptom recurrence.