Sialoscopy - initial experiences with a new endoscope

Background: After the introduction of mini-endoscopes for the diagnosis of swelling of the major salivary glands there has been further development of materials and techniques. A new highly flexible semirigid sialoendoscope with high quality imaging (6000 pixels), an outside diameter of 1.1 mm, a working channel of 0.4 mm, and a separate channel for irrigation has been developed and we examined its clinical value. Methods: We used the endoscope in 22 patients for diagnosis and treatment. Results: Sialoendoscopy was achieved after dilatation of the papilla in all. cases. The image (both in contrast and resolution) was excellent. We found sialolithiasis in 13, stenosis in 3, and sialodochitis in 3. Through the working channel we were able to insert instruments with success in seven cases with pathological findings. One patient developed a complication. (C) 2004 The British Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.