Interventional sialendoscopy with endoscopic sialolith removal without fragmentation.

We performed a retrospective analysis to review the results and complications of sialendoscopy and to identify the overall success rate of mechanical stone retrieval without fragmentation in our patients with sialolithiasis. Between 2009 and 2011, 33 patients with sialolithiasis underwent interventional sialendoscopy. Patients with sialoliths larger than 7 mm in the Wharton's duct and 5 mm in the Stensen's duct or intraparenchymal stones were not included in this study. Grasping forceps, wire baskets and graspers was used for stone removal. The mean age at presentation was 41.7 (range, 29-62) years with a male to female ratio of approximately 1:2. The average size of the stones ranged from 2 to 6 mm. The overall success rate for endoscopic stone retrieval was 78 % (26 of 33) and three patients required a combined approach with intraoral incisions for stone removal. The major complication rate was 3 % (1 of 33) caused by submandibular duct perforation. The endoscopic retrieval of salivary stones is a safe and effective technique in selected cases. As instruments for stone fragmentation are expensive and not available everywhere, selecting patients with small and medium sized stones could lead to successful results in majority of cases.