Sialolithiasis of the Submandibular Salivary Gland Treated with the 810-to 830-nm Diode Laser

Objective: Surgical management of salivary gland diseases has always been challenging because it carries a considerable risk of nerve damage. This study evaluates an innovative ambulatory laser-aided technique that may be an alternative to traditional treatment, and presents our 5-y experience of salivary gland excision. Materials and Methods: Twenty-five submandibular salivary gland excisions were performed with an 810- to 830-nm diode laser. The diagnosis was sialolithiasis with stones in the salivary gland duct above the glandular hilum. A 320-mu m flexible delivery fiber was used in continuous wave mode at 2.5 W power. The procedure consisted of locating the stone, isolating the duct from the surrounding tissues, introducing a button probe, ductal incision above the stone, sialolithotomy, and checking duct patency. Results: The overall success rate was 92%. The largest stone removed was 4.5 cm in size. In 1 patient (4%), an additional undetected stone was diagnosed by endoscopy after removal of the stone from the duct, and in 1 patient ( 4%), synechiae formed in the duct during healing and duct patency had to be restored with a probe. We had no cases of transient palsy or paresis of the mandibular branch of the facial or lingual nerves. Conclusion: Use of the 810-nm laser is safe for this type of surgical procedure, carries a low complication rate, and is a valid alternative to traditional surgery. It is indicated as the procedure of choice in cases of stones located in the duct above the kink leading into the mylohyoid muscle, and above the glandular hilum.