Received 11 October 2009; received in revised form 17 December 2009; accepted 18 December 2009.
Abstract
Background
The definitive cause of most cases of recurrent salivary gland inflammation in children remains unknown. Relatively little has been written about the use of sialendoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in children.
Objective
To evaluate the safety and efficacy of sialendoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for recurrent salivary gland inflammation in children.
Study Design
Retrospective case series.
Methods
Medical records of all patients who underwent sialendoscopy for recurrent salivary gland inflammation from a single tertiary-care pediatric otolaryngology practice were reviewed. Comparison of pre-procedure vs. post-procedure frequency and severity of disease was reviewed. Operative reports, images, and video were analyzed for causes of inflammation.
Results
Six patients (aged 3–16 years old) underwent sialendoscopy (3/6 bilateral parotid, 2/6 unilateral parotid, 1/6 unilateral submandibular). There were no complications. No post-operative recurrence was noted in 3/6 patients; decreased frequency of recurrence was noted in 2/6 patients; repeat sialendoscopy was required in 1/6. Operative findings from sialendoscopy from 10 parotid glands showed fibrinous debris (7/10), mucoid debris (1/10), purulent debris (1/10), or duct stenosis (1/10). No stones were noted.
Conclusions
Sialendoscopy is a safe, minimally invasive procedure that may decrease the frequency of recurrences for salivary gland inflammation in children. In contrast to previously published work, the most common cause of salivary gland obstruction in this series was debris, rather than stones. Increased use of sialendoscopy as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool will allow for improved understanding of the causes of and management for recurrent salivary gland inflammation in children.
ABSTRACT