Purpose of review: Sialendoscopy is finding increasing application in the management of salivary-gland swellings as it provides a diagnostic method for the main salivary ducts coupled with a therapeutic tool. Many recent studies have emphasized the diagnostic and therapeutic advantages of this noninvasive technique. This review discusses both of these aspects of sialendoscopy and their development in the management of salivary-gland diseases.
Recent findings: Management of paediatric obstructive swelling has improved during the last 10 years. New semi-rigid sialendoscopes and complete miniaturized instrumentation allow diagnosis and treatment of obstructive paediatric salivary-gland swelling. Paediatric sialendoscopy has allowed us to recognize salivary stones and stenoses misdiagnosed by conventional radiography or ultrasound.
Summary: Pediatric sialendoscopy is now an improved diagnostic technique for obstructive salivary-gland swelling. It has a greater sensitivity than conventional radiology ultrasound and MRI. With further improvement in devices and technique, early sialendoscopy is possible in very young children, using a conservative approach. Sialendoscopic dilatation of Stensen's duct is possible and could be used for the treatment of juvenile recurrent parotitis. The initial results need to be confirmed in a larger series with a more long-term follow-up.