Sialoendoscopy and salivary gland sparing surgery.

Obstructive disease and chronic infections often are managed by extirpative gland surgery. With the advent of new technology and better understanding of salivary physiology, minimally invasive surgical techniques provide the opportunity for safer and less invasive surgery in alternative care settings and the prospect for gland sparing and restoration of normal function. This article describes techniques for managing acute and chronic salivary gland infections using sialoendoscopy.