[Sialendoscopy of the salivary glands].

INTRODUCTION: Sialoendoscopy is a simple efficient mode of treatment for major salivary gland sialoliths and strictures.
METHODS: Sialendoscopy procedure requires specific devices, diagnostic and therapeutic sialendocopes, minigrasping forceps, wire baskets, lasers, balloons and stents. The sialendoscopy procedure is divided in three steps: the duct introduction step (through the papilla or through the duct wall); the diagnostic step (from main duct to third or fourth salivary division branches) and the therapeutic step (stone removal with a Dormia basket or miniforceps and stenosis balloon dilatation). The feasibility of stone removal depends on the size, the position, the mobility and the shape of the stone. The only contraindication is acute sialadenitis. DISCUSSION: Sialendoscopy complications are minor. Its success rate for stone removal is greater than 90%, and it has dramatically reduced the rate of sialadenectomy (to less than 5%).