Treatment of Submandibular Sialolithiasis When the Stone Is Not Bimanually Palpable
This protocol covers management of a submandibular gland calculus that cannot be detected by bimanual palpation, in a clinical setting defined by the stone's position and size.
Clinical Scenario
The calculus is not bimanually palpable and is situated in the anterior region of Wharton's duct, or in the posterior region with a diameter of 4 mm or smaller. A minimally invasive approach is indicated for this configuration.
Treatment Approach (partial)
Management centres on an endoscopic procedure that can be carried out under local or general anesthesia. The full selection algorithm, procedural criteria, and decision pathway are available in the complete protocol below.
Detailed regimen — including all decision points — is accessible via the link below.
References
DOI: 10.1051/mbcb/2018039
Sialendoscopy is mainly intended for small stones (less than 4 mm diameter) but can remove stones regardless of their position under local or general anesthesia.
This technique is indicated when the computed tomography does not show a calculus and when a minimally invasive technique should be favoured.
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