Sialendoscopy plus laser lithotripsy in sialolithiasis of the submandibular gland in 64 patients: A simple and safe procedure.

OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the safety and efficiency of holmium laser-assisted lithotripsy during sialendoscopy of the submandibular gland using a retrospective, interventional consecutive case series. METHODS: We performed 374 sialendoscopies between 2008 and 2015 and evaluated all patients regarding clinical symptoms, clinical findings, therapy and outcome. We performed 109 procedures of holmium laser-assisted lithotripsy in 64 patients whose sialoliths measured 5 mm or more in diameter. In addition to retrospective case note reviews, we performed telephone interviews of all patients in January 2017. RESULTS: We performed 374 consecutive submandibular gland sialendoscopy procedures in 276 patients between 2008 to 2015. Sialolithiasis had either previously been diagnosed, or symptoms highly suggestive of sialolithiasis of the submandibular gland presented in 197 patients. Holmium laser-assisted Laser lithotripsy was performed in 109 cases (64.9%). Smaller mobile concrement was removed directly either by forceps or wire basket, or following marsupialisation of the submandibular duct. This was the case in 88 patients (29.1%). Three patients (0.8%) required surgical removal of the submandibular gland due to early abscess. The majority of patients (n = 374 procedures; 90.1%) remained symptom-free after two or more years following intervention. In the remaining procedures (n = 37 procedures; 9.9%), patients reported discreet postprandial problems but did not seek medical attention. In total, we managed to preserve the submandibular gland and avoid open surgery in 99% of patients through endoscopic management of submandibular concrement and duct stenosis. CONCLUSION: Holmium laser-assisted lithotripsy is a simple, safe, and effective procedure for treating patients with sialolithiasis of the submandibular gland. Removal of the gland is rarely required, and removing the gland without prior sialendoscopy is no longer recommended. It should be offered to all patients with submandibular gland sialolithiasis, or such patients should be referred to the appropriate centre for sialendoscopy before submandibulectomy is considered.

Sialendoscopy for Definitive Management of a Submandibular Abscess following Radiotherapy for Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Sialendoscopy has as yet been shown to be ideal for the management of sialolithiasis and chronic inflammatory diseases of the salivary gland. However, its applicability to the management of a broad range of salivary gland disease is continually growing. METHODS: Here we present a case report where sialendoscopy was used to successfully manage an intraparenchymal submandibular gland abscess in a patient with oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma managed with primary chemoradiation. RESULTS: The use of sialendoscopy enabled visualization of the patency of salivary ducts, drainage of abscess, and irrigation of antibiotic-impregnated fluid. In this particular patient, we were able to avoid a transcervical approach through a previously irradiated field, which would have necessitated concurrent tracheostomy and placed undue risk to surrounding neurovascular structures. CONCLUSION: Sialendoscopy should thus, in select patients, be considered as an initial intervention for patients with intraparenchymal salivary gland abscesses in which prior therapy creates an increased risk of complication from an open transcervical approach.

Intraductal Laser Fiber Tip Fracture and Retrieval During Sialendoscopic Laser-Assisted Lithotripsy.

Fragmentation of flexible laser fiber tips has been reported to occur during therapeutic bronchoscopy and urologic stone treatment. We report fragmentation of 200-µm single-use silica-based fibers during sialendoscopy-controlled Holmium:YAG laser treatment of a parotid and a submandibular stone. The technique employed to successfully retrieve the fiber tips is described in the context of identifying this potential complication from endoscopic management of sialolithiasis.

Role of Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy in the Management of Submandibular Fistula After Reconstruction for Osteoradionecrosis.

PURPOSE: Although negative-pressure wound therapy (NPWT) for complicated wounds has been extensively studied, it is rarely used in cases involving a submandibular fistula due to radiation-induced osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of NPWT for submandibular fistulas after reconstruction for osteoradionecrosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Nine patients with submandibular fistulas after reconstruction for osteoradionecrosis treated with NPWT between 2011 and 2014 were included in the study. The wound healing was documented. RESULTS: The NPWT device was removed postoperatively between days 7 and 12 (mean duration, 9.6 days). The wound bed was filled with healthy granulation tissue, and successful healing by second intention was observed in all patients within 2 weeks. No complications were observed. The follow-up ranged from 4 to 27 months (mean, 18 months); the fistulas exhibited excellent healing, and no recurrence or infection was observed. CONCLUSIONS: NPWT is a safe, effective technique for managing submandibular fistulas after reconstruction for osteoradionecrosis.

Endoscopic management of salivary gland obstructive diseases in patients with Sjögren's syndrome.

PURPOSE: To evaluate, on the basis of our clinical experience, the reliability of an endoscopic approach to the management of obstructive salivary diseases related to Sjögren's syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients affected by Sjögren's syndrome who were followed up at the Maxillo-Facial Unit of the Second University of Naples Hospital and referred from the Reumatology Unit of the same hospital from September 2007 to July 2012 for chronic obstructive sialadenitis unresponsive to medical therapy. A total of 34 patients (29 women and 5 men) were recruited for this study. After the detection of the impaired gland, under local anesthesia with lidocaine 2% to the orifice region and a gradual dilation of the duct orifice, the diagnostic unit was introduced into the duct and was advanced forward until reaching the ductal system, with continuous lavage with isotonic saline solution. The plaques were washed out, and any strictures were dilated. Mucus plugs and debris were removed with irrigation or with a forceps if necessary. RESULTS: Our cohort included 34 patients with a mean age of 51.76 years. A total of 60 parotid glands and 25 submandibular glands were explored and treated. Strictures were found in 38 glands (38 of 85; 45%), mucus plugs in 47 glands (47 of 85; 55%), mucus plugs and strictures together in three glands (3 of 85; 4%), and kinks in two glands (2 of 85; 2%). In 32 parotid glands (32 of 60; 53%) the Stensen duct was affected, in two (2 of 60; 3%) only secondary ducts, and in 18 (18 of 60; 30%) both. In submandibular glands explored, strictures and mucus plugs were mainly observed in Wharton ducts. Symptomatic improvement was achieved in 29 patients (29 of 34; 85%), in a follow-up period ranging from 5 months to 3 years. CONCLUSIONS: Interventional sialoendoscopy is a viable technique to treat acute symptomatology in patients with obstructive salivary gland diseases related to Sjögren's syndrome and refractory to conventional management.

Focal autoimmune pancreatitis and chronic sclerosing sialadenitis mimicking pancreatic cancer and neck metastasis.

Type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) or chronic sclerosing sialadenitis (Küttner's tumour) is an uncommon disorder that has recently been confirmed as an IgG4-related disease. Here, we describe a rare case of a 53-year-old male patient who primarily presented with pancreatic body mass, left neck mass and several lumps in his lower lip mimicking pancreatic cancer (PC) and neck metastasis. The patient underwent pancreatic body mass and labial gland lumps resection as well as an ultrasound-guided biopsy of the left neck mass. He was diagnosed with IgG4-related focal type of AIP (f-AIP) and Küttner's tumour by immunohistochemistry. The patient responded well to corticosteroid therapy and remains healthy with no signs of recurrence at one year follow-up. The differentiation of f-AIP from PC is very important to avoid unnecessary pancreatic resection.

Updated S2K AWMF guideline for the diagnosis and follow-up of obstructive sialadenitis--relevance for radiologic imaging.

The interdisciplinarily developed German S2k AWMF guideline for the treatment of obstructive sialadenitis represents a new standard in the guideline program of the AWMF, the German Society for Consultants and the clinical disciplines working in the field of diseases of the head and neck region. In the last few years new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities have been established in obstructive chronic Sialadenitis offering individually optimized therapeutic strategies. Only a few years ago extirpation of the whole affected gland was the only relevant therapy option. Nowadays therapeutic options such as interventional sialendoscopy and extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) are available in combination with marsupialization or incision of the duct. If possible the focus is on preserving the main glandular duct. In the following article the relevant aspects for the diagnostic radiologic procedures are presented.

Sialoendoscopy: a viable treatment for I(131) induced sialoadenitis.

To evaluate the viability, efficacy, and safety of sialoendoscopy for the diagnosis and management of radioiodine I(131-) related sialoadenitis, we retrospectively reviewed 30 patients referred between September 2007 and July 2013 from the Thyroid Surgery Unit to the Maxillofacial Unit of the Second University of Naples Hospital with persistent sialoadenitis after treatment with I(131). After the affected gland had been isolated, the endoscope was introduced into the duct under local anaesthesia with 2% lignocaine and continuous lavage with isotonic saline, and was advanced until it reached the ductal system. We studied 24 women and 6 men, mean (SD) age 52 (??) years. In 25 patients I(131) was given for papillary (83%), in 3 for medullary (10%), and in 2 for follicular thyroid carcinoma (7%). Stenosis alone was found in 30 glands (40%), mucous plugs alone in 35 (47%), and mucous plugs, stenosis, and kinks in 10 (13%). Of the 75 glands, dilatation of the ducts was successful in 70, and we completely removed all mucous plugs and kinks. We achieved symptomatic improvement in 23 patients (77%) during a follow-up ranging from 2 weeks to 84 months. Sialoendoscopy is a viable technique for the diagnosis of obstructive salivary disease, and is a safe and effective way to treat sialoadenitis, the most common complication of treatment with I(131).

Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells migrate to healthy and damaged salivary glands following stem cell infusion.

Xerostomia is a severe side effect of radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. To date, no satisfactory treatment option has been established. Because mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been identified as a potential treatment modality, we aimed to evaluate stem cell distribution following intravenous and intraglandular injections using a surgical model of salivary gland damage and to analyse the effects of MSC injections on the recruitment of immune cells. The submandibular gland ducts of rats were surgically ligated. Syngeneic adult MSCs were isolated, immortalised by simian virus 40 (SV40) large T antigen and characterized by flow cytometry. MSCs were injected intravenously and intraglandularly. After 1, 3 and 7 days, the organs of interest were analysed for stem cell recruitment. Inflammation was analysed by immunohistochemical staining. We were able to demonstrate that, after intravenous injection, MSCs were recruited to normal and damaged submandibular glands on days 1, 3 and 7. Unexpectedly, stem cells were recruited to ligated and non-ligated glands in a comparable manner. After intraglandular injection of MSCs into ligated glands, the presence of MSCs, leucocytes and macrophages was enhanced, compared to intravenous injection of stem cells. Our data suggest that injected MSCs were retained within the inflamed glands, could become activated and subsequently recruited leucocytes to the sites of tissue damage.

Sialoendoscopy with and without holmium:YAG laser-assisted lithotripsy in the management of obstructive sialadenitis of major salivary glands.

Obstructive sialadenitis is a major cause of dysfunction of the salivary glands, and increasingly sialoendoscopy is used in both diagnosis and treatment. At present the limit of the endoscopic approach is the size of the stone as only stones of less than 4mm can be removed. Endoscopic laser lithotripsy has the potential to treat many stones larger than this with minimal complications and preservation of a functional salivary gland. The holmium:YAG laser has been widely and safely used in urology, and its use has been recently proposed in salivary lithotripsy for the removal of bigger stones. We describe our experience with sialoendoscopy for stones in the parotid and submandibular glands and assess the feasibility and the efficacy of holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy. We have used the procedure 50 times for 43 patients with obstructive sialadenitis; 31 patients had sialolithiasis, 15 of whom (48%) had stones with diameters between 4 and 15mm (mean 7). Total extraction after fragmentation was possible in 14 of the 15 patients without complications. Intraductal holmium:YAG laser lithotripsy is effective and safe, and allows the treatment of large stones in Stensen's and Wharton's ducts.

[The new S2k AWMF guideline for the treatment of obstructive sialadenitis in commented short form]. / Die neue S2k AWMF Leitlinie zur Behandlung der obstruktiven Sialadenitis in kommentierter Kurzform.

A new and interdisciplinary S2k AWMF guideline for the treatment of obstructive sialadenitis has been published. There have been several technical achievements, for instance in the field of ultrasonography, via sialendoscopy, or by MR-sialography, that have increased the possibilities for diagnosis and treatment of patients with obstructive sialadenitis. In the past, the treatment of choice in case of unsuccessful medical treatment was a complete extirpation of the affected salivary gland. Nowadays, using a variety of modern treatment options (like sialendoscopy, or extracorporeal shock-waves lithotripsy sometimes combined with salivary duct incision), it is possible in most patients, especially in cases of sialolithiasis, to preserve the affected gland. A functional recovery after gland-sparing surgery is described but more data is needed to finally evaluate the long-time results. The new guideline describes all relevant steps to diagnose an obstructive sialadenitis and values all diagnostic tools critically. Finally, all recommendable therapy options are described and valued, too.

Lithotripsy for salivary stones with prospective US assessment on our first 25 consecutive patients.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the predictive value of sonographic fragmentation in the successful treatment of sialolithiasis. The main objective was to streamline the management by treating the patients with three sessions of ultrasonic lithotripsy, and to compare the success rate and complications with data from the literature. A second objective was to analyse the predictive value of data from the post procedure and follow-up sonography related to therapeutic success with regard to size, site and location of stones. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Prospective follow-up of 25 patients (mean age of 43 ± 17.2 years old 11-68; 13 women, 10 men) over a period of 31 months (October 2009-April 2012) with one or more salivary calculi (19 parotid, submandibular 6) treated with extracorporeal lithotripsy (electromagnetic MINILITH SL 1, Storz Medical, Switzerland). No anaesthesia or analgesia was used. Each session of lithotripsy lasted on average 30 min. Minor complications were collected on an anonymised sheet. RESULTS: Complete success (absence of clinical symptoms 3 months after the end of treatment (or the last session) and residual stones <2 mm) was observed in 36% of patients, partial success (persistence of symptoms least 3 months (lower intensity and lower frequency) or size of residual stones>2 mm) in 48% and failure (persistence of same or increased symptoms at 3 months or no change in size of the calculi) in 17% of patients. Sonographic fragmentation of the stone (p = 0.004), total energy delivered (p = 0.008) and the total number of shock waves (n = 0.045) are predictive factors of complete success. Size, salivary topography, ductal topography, mobilization of the stones, occurrence of minor side effects and total duration of treatment had no predictive value of complete success (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference between the first 5 and the last 20 patients (p = 0.367). In agreement with the literature data, the efficacy of treatment was greater for parotid than submandibular calculi. CONCLUSION: Extracorporeal lithotripsy is an alternative to conventional surgery with no major complications. Sonographic fragmentation of calculi, total energy and total number of shock waves are predictive factors of successful treatment.

Treatment of salivary gland hypofunction by transplantation with dental pulp cells.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to establish a mouse model in which dental pulp cells (DPCs) could be used as a cell source for the treatment of salivary gland hypofunction. DESIGN: DPCs were isolated from green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing mice and were differentiated into dental pulp endothelial cells (DPECs). DPEC behaviour was studied in vitro and in vivo to investigate their capacity to participate in neovascularisation. For in vivo assessment, a combination of DPECs and Matrigel was subcutaneously injected into nude mice. Two weeks after injection, Matrigel plugs were analysed for CD31 and GFP. Furthermore, both submandibular glands of the irradiated mice were injected with DPECs. Eight weeks after irradiation, the effect of DPECs on saliva secretion was evaluated by measuring amounts of saliva secretion. RESULTS: DPECs showed typical endothelial morphology, including a cobblestone appearance. RT-PCR analysis of DPECs showed positive expression of CD31, foetal liver kinase-1, vascular-endothelial-cadherin, vascular endothelial growth factor-A and von Willebrand factor. DPECs reorganised into tube-like structures on Matrigel after 24h in vitro. Positive merged staining for both CD31 and GFP was observed in the tube-like structures, representative of the injected DPECs. The average saliva flow rate in mice treated with DPECs was significantly higher than that observed in mice treated with PBS (P=0.0452). CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that radiation-induced salivary hypofunction is partially reverted following transplantation of DPECs. We established a mouse model in which DPCs could be used as a cell source for the treatment of salivary gland hypofunction.

Balloon catheter sialoplasty: a safety and feasibility pilot study.

Obstructive sialoadenitis is the most common non-neoplastic disorder of the salivary glands. With advances in the use of diagnostic and interventional sialoendoscopy in the major salivary glands, operations can often be less invasive and treatment can spare the gland and restore normal function. By using an expandable balloon catheter to dilate ductal stenosis during sialoendoscopy it is possible to dilate a stenotic duct and remove large stones with or without a basket. However, the use of different angiocatheters or dedicated balloons is still empirical. In this pilot study we assessed the feasibility and safety of balloon dilatation of the submandibular gland (Wharton's duct). We did balloon catheter sialoplasty on four ducts from two fresh adult cadavers. We used a non-compliant dilating balloon catheter 6mm in diameter at a pressure of 12 × 10(5)Pa for a total of three minutes and then examined the ducts histologically. There was no damage to the wall of Wharton's duct. Although this is a small study, we have shown the safety of balloon catheter sialoplasty for the first time as assessed histologically after dilatation of the duct. By virtue of the technique histological assessment is not possible after dilatation in patients. Long-term follow up is clearly required in this rapidly evolving area of surgery.

Thulium-YAG laser sialendoscopy for parotid and submandibular sialolithiasis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of thulium-YAG laser in sialendoscopic fragmentation of salivary lithiasis. DESIGN: Retrospective, interventional case series. MATERIAL: Sixty-three patients treated by interventional sialendoscopy with thulium-Yag laser fragmentation between 2003 and 2010 at Edouard Herriot Hospital were included in the study. The laser was used for non-floating or large lithiasis (>4 mm). METHODS: The sialendoscopic thulium fiber laser was used in a pulsed mode with an average power output of 2-8 W to fragment and facilitate extraction of salivary stones. Several variables were studied: success rate, total number of procedures, total energy per procedure, size and number of salivary stones removed, and complications. RESULTS: Our series of 63 cases includes 40 cases of parotid lithiasis and 23 cases of submandibular lithiasis. In nine cases, two sessions of laser were performed. Stone size was evaluated pre-operatively by ultrasound and varied between 2 and 18 mm. Laser fragmentation was possible in every case. Complete extraction of the lithiasis was possible in 51 cases (73.9%) and partial extraction in eight cases (12.6%). Extraction failed in four cases (6.3%). Mean stone size was 5.4 mm (5.7 mm for parotid glands and 5.0 mm for sub-mandibular glands) and mean energy per procedure was 1,450 J (range: 1,400-1,800 J). Ductal perforations were observed in 12.7% of the cases. 65.1% of patients were free of symptoms with a mean follow-up of 18 months. CONCLUSION: Thulium-YAG laser appears to be an effective and safe technique in the treatment of salivary lithiasis.

[Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) for salivary gland stones: a retrospective study of 1571 patients]. / Lithotripsie extracorporelle (LEC) salivaire: étude rétrospective sur 1571 patients.

INTRODUCTION: The fragmentation of salivary stones by extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) has been described since the 1990s. We wanted to assess its effectiveness through a retrospective study. PATIENT AND METHODS: We reviewed the files of 1571 patients (801 women and 770 men, from 6 to 85 years of age) treated by ESWL between 1995 and 2010 for 1031 submandibular (65.6%) and 540 parotid gland sialolithiasis (34.4%). The treatment consisted in one or several sessions of ESWL distributed over 3 to 24 months. Three thousand to 6000 shockwaves were delivered by session, if there was no hemostatic disorder or infection. Ultrasound control examinations were performed regularly and systematically. RESULTS: An average of six sessions was necessary. All the lithiases were fragmented, 1056 (67.2%) totally and 515 (32.8%) partially with residual fragments from 1 to 6mm in size. After treatment, 1446 patients (92%) were asymptomatic and 125 (8%) continued to present salivary symptoms, without residual fragments on ultrasound examination in 82% of the cases. The main adverse reaction was infection (628 patients, 40%) resolved thanks to antibiotic treatment or extraction of fragments under local anesthesia. DISCUSSION: Developed for 20 years, LEC is an excellent alternative to conventional surgery as long as indications are respected. It seems very effective, but its drawbacks are the length of management and the difficulty of ultrasound localization of calculi, which requires an experienced operator.