Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in the management of salivary calculi.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The aim was to investigate the results of extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in the management of salivary calculi using a dedicated sialolithotriptor. METHODS: Some 122 salivary calculi (84 submandibular and 38 parotid) were treated in an experimental study using a sialolithotriptor. RESULTS: Complete success was achieved in 40 procedures (33 per cent), 27 of 84 submandibular and 13 of 38 parotid calculi. A further 43 patients (35 per cent) were rendered asymptomatic although some stone debris remained in the duct (26 submandibular and 17 parotid). Failure (retention of stone debris and continued symptoms) occurred in 39 patients (32 per cent), 30 submandibular and eight parotid glands. The chance of failure increased with the size of the calculus and increasing duration of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy provides a useful option for the management of salivary calculi, particularly for stones less than 7 mm in diameter.