Gland preserving surgery in paediatric proximal submandibular sialolithiasis: preliminary results in a tertiary centre

Abstract

Introduction: Around 3% of sialolithiasis occur in children. When these are small and in the distal submandibular duct they can be simply managed by sialendoscopy or by a simple intra-oral release. Proximal sialoliths are much more challenging and historically have been managed by submandibular gland excision. In adults, the current concept is to perform an intra-oral stone release for proximal stones, a more technically difficult but a gland preserving procedure with much less risks and associated morbidity. We have applied this principle in the paediatric patient and have successfully carried out intra-oral stone release for proximal submandibular sialoliths in eight children. We report our prelimimary clinical and patient satisfaction outcomes.