Purpose: Juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP) is characterized by intermittent swelling of one or both parotid glands simultaneously or on different occasions. The peak incidence of JRP is between the ages of 3 and 6 years, with predominance among males. The etiology and mechanism are still unknown. The diagnosis is made on a clinical basis and is confirmed by ultrasonography or sialography. Our objective was to present our long-term experience with endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of JRP.
Patients and methods: In this clinical review we report our long-term experience in 70 children who were treated by a combined minimally invasive endoscopic method. Another 5 patients with adult-type JRP were included in the study.
Results: In 93% of the patients a single treatment was enough to resolve this phenomenon and prevent its recurrence.
Conclusion: Sialoendoscopy and lavage of the parotid gland comprise the treatment of choice for JRP, achieving a high success rate with minimal morbidity.