Retrospective Evaluation of the Treatment of Wharton’s Duct Stones with Transoral Approach

Abstract

Objective: Sialolith is one of the most common causes of salivary gland obstruction and often leads to sialadenitis. It usually seen in the submandibular gland around 80-90 percent. In this retrospective study, we aimed to retrospectively evaluate the treatment of sialoliths in different parts of the Wharton duct with transoral approach using minimally invasive techniques. Methods: After the clinical and radiological examination of eight patients, six male and two female patients, transoral removal of sialoliths detected in Wharton duct was decided. All surgical interventions were performed with a transoral approach using minimally invasive surgical techniques. Six patients were treated under general anesthesia and two patients were treated under local anesthesia. Results: 8 patients aged between 29-81 years who were transoral surgically removed Wharton duct stones. During the 20-month follow-up period, no intraoperative or post-operative complications such as bleeding and lingual nerve injury were observed. According to the results of the survey, 75% of the patients were very satisfied, 12.5% were satisfied and 12.5% were dissatisfied with the result. Conclusion: The transoral approach may be considered as a more effective option for the treatment of Wharton duct sialoliths because of the high success rate and the wider use indication compared to non-invasive procedures such as ESWL and sialendoscopy.