Transoral removal of submandibular hilar stone and sialodochoplasty.

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of intraoral stone removal and sialodochoplasty in 59 patients with hilar submandibular stones. Prospective, randomized, controlled study. Fifty-four patients underwent complete stone removal without significant complications, and five had unsuccessful removal of stones. The 54 patients with successful stone removal were randomized to additional sialodochoplasty (n = 28) or not (n = 26). Salivary scintigraphy was performed before and 6 months after surgery. Salivary secretory function of the affected gland was less than that of a normal gland but returned to normal after stone removal. Symptom recurrence and recovery of salivary gland function were not affected by sialodochoplasty; rather, they were affected by successful removal of the stones. Hilar submandibular stones can be transorally removed with high success rate, low-level risk, and substantial recovery of gland function. Sialodochoplasty may have no effect in preventing symptom recurrence.