Management of anterior submandibular sialolithiasis

Abstract

Introduction: Sialolithiasis is defined by the presence of a calculus within the salivary gland or its excretory system. It primarily affects the submandibular gland at a frequency of 80%. Involving many factors, the exact aetiology and pathogenesis of salivary calculi remain to be discussed. Body: The purpose of this article is to expose the different aspects of the pathology. Aetiological factors, the diagnostic approach which requires the use of imaging tests as well as the medical and surgical management of anterior submandibular sialolithiasis, will be described. A decision tree regarding the type of management and a table summarizing the main differential diagnoses will be proposed. Conclusion: Submandibular sialolithiases are a common salivary gland disorder. The treatment of sialolithiasis must be early and remains mainly surgical. The level of cooperation as well as the patient's medical and surgical history should guide the management of this type of disorder of the salivary system.

Possible association of sialolithiasis with HIV infection and highly active antiretroviral therapy: A case report

“…Suspected cases of sialolithiasis may prompt an array of diagnostic imaging such as panoramic radiography, ultrasonography, MDCT, and cone‐beam CT, and sialendoscopy. Physical examination should consist of palpation of the gland site for the presence of a mass, and extent and clarity of salivary flow 18 . Salivary tumoral presentations and atypical findings should undergo biopsy and histopathologic assessment for diagnosis and rule out malignancy.…”

A pain in the neck

“…Management aims to preserve salivary gland function 7. Conservative therapy includes hydration, salivary gland massage, sailogogues, antispasmodics, analgesics, and antibiotics if secondary infection is present.…”

“…Conservative therapy includes hydration, salivary gland massage, sailogogues, antispasmodics, analgesics, and antibiotics if secondary infection is present. 7 Failure of conservative therapy requires invasive management with extracorporeal lithotripsy, sialoendoscopy, sialolithectomy, or sialoadenectomy 7. Complications associated with invasive surgery include injury to gustatory nerves and xerostomia (dry mouth).…”

Sialolithiasis—Do Early Diagnosis and Removal Minimize Post-Operative Morbidity?

“…If minimally invasive methods fail, the entire gland needs to be removed surgically [ 11 ]. Surgical treatment may be intraoral or extraoral, may include the extraction of the sialolith or excision of the gland itself [ 12 ].…”