Management of Sialoceles Using an Indigenous Salivary Stent.

ABSTRACT

Background: A Sialocele is a subcutaneous extravasation of saliva from the salivary gland secondary to traumatic disruption of its duct or parenchyma. It is observed after ablative head and neck surgery or due to trauma. Though there are several techniques described, there is no universal consensus on how to treat postoperative sialoceles. Purpose: This paper describes a simple technique which was used to successfully treat 11 patients with postoperative sialoceles. Methods: In this paper we have described the use of an indigenously designed tapered stent used to decompress the sialocele. The decompression allows natural healing and fibrosis to occur over 4-6 days thereby resolving the sialocele. Results: 11 patients with postoperative sialoceles were successfully treated using our technique. Conclusion: The technique described by the authors is a simple, easy to perform procedure that can be managed in the outpatient office under local anesthesia with minimal equipment.