Evaluation of patients' quality of life using novel "Multidisciplinary Salivary Gland Society" questionnaire in minimally invasive management of obstructive sialadenitis.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The introduction of minimally invasive surgical procedures has significantly reduced the rate of major salivary gland removal. This study aimed to assess these procedures in relieving patients' complaints and their impact on quality of life using the newly introduced Multidisciplinary Salivary Gland Society questionnaire. STUDY DESIGN: Between January 2021 and October 2021, a case series was treated with minimally invasive surgical procedures. Data such as stone size, number and location, surgical approach, symptoms relief, and improvement of quality of life were collected and analyzed. Thirty-six patients were included (22 males and 14 females); 28 had stones in the submandibular gland and 8 in the parotid gland with largest stone diameter ranging from 0.2 to 2.8 cm. The approach was selected according to stone size and location, so 17 patients were treated with sialendoscopy (alone or using a combined approach), and 19 patients were treated without sialendoscopy using a transoral approach. RESULTS: After a 6-month follow-up, the questionnaire scores showed a statistically significant difference in comparison to preoperative ones. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive surgical procedures present an excellent option for sialolithotomy, after which the relief of symptoms, restoration of gland function, and a significant improvement in quality of life are achieved.