Salivary Calculi Removal by Minimally Invasive Techniques: A Decision Tree Based on the Diameter of the Calculi and Their Position in the Excretory Duct

Abstract

Purpose: To suggest a decision tree for the choice of the best minimally invasive technique to treat submandibular and parotid calculi, according to the diameter of the calculi and their position in the excretory duct.

Materials and methods: Submandibular and parotid ducts can both be divided into thirds, delineated by easily recognizable landmarks. The diameter of calculi is schematically classified into 1 of these 3 categories: floating, slightly impacted, or largely impacted.

Results: Using 3 criteria, the type of gland involved (G), the topography (T) of the calculus and its diameter (D), a 3-stage GTD classification of calculi was established. Next, the best indication for each available minimally invasive technique (sialendoscopy, transmucosal approach, a combined approach, intra- or extracorporeal stone fragmentation) was determined for each calculus stage.

Conclusions: The minimally invasive treatment options are numerous and have replaced invasive resection surgical approaches (submandibulectomy and parotidectomy) in the management of salivary calculi, significantly improving the prognosis of these diseases. We emphasize the need for flexibility in the surgical indications and challenge the dogma of "all endoscopic" management of salivary calculi.