A Convenient and Less Invasive Technique of Labial Minor Salivary Gland Biopsy Using a Minimal Incision With a Needle Tip

Abstract

ObjectivesThis study was to show the technique and to compare the usefulness and complications of biopsy using a minimal incision with a needle tip of the labial minor salivary glands with those of conventional incisional lip biopsy in the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the patients who had the labial minor salivary gland biopsy for the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome between January 2005 and December 2008. One hundred forty-three patients were enrolled in this study. The yields of diagnostic salivary tissues and complications of the biopsy using a minimal incision with a needle tip and the conventional incisional lip biopsy were compared.ResultsOut of 143 patients, 56 patients underwent the conventional incisional lip biopsy and 87 patients received the biopsy using a minimal incision with a needle tip. In the biopsy using a minimal incision with a needle tip group, adequate salivary gland tissues were obtained in 85 patients out of 87 patients (97.7%). In the conventional incisional lip biopsy group, adequate specimens were acquired in 44 patients out of 56 patients (78.6%). There was no complication after the biopsy using a minimal incision with a needle tip, whereas there was one patient complained transient numbness of the lip after the conventional incisional lip biopsy.ConclusionThe less invasive labial minor salivary gland biopsy using a minimal incision with a needle tip was easy to perform and safe and showed the better result than the conventional incisional lip biopsy in terms of the adequate specimen in the diagnosis of Sjögren's syndrome. So it might be a good alternative to the conventional incisional lip biopsy.

Use of a smart lip holder for minimally invasive minor salivary gland biopsy

“…6 7 In a study, using a needle tip for vertical mucosal incision and dissection of the glands along with pressure applied from the sides by the operator showed better results than the more invasive elliptic incision. 8 MSGB is commonly performed by two operators, one providing assistance to hold the lip with or without pressure and the main operator performing local anaesthesia, mucosal incision and extraction of the glands. In this retrospective study we characterise the use of a novel disposable device to facilitate MSGB in routine practice.…”