Endoscope-Assisted Submandibular Sialoadenectomy: A Pilot Study
Purpose
To describe an endoscopic technique for submandibular sialoadenectomy in humans, as well as the equipment, instrumentation, and pertinent anatomy.
Materials and Methods
Six submandibular sialoadenectomies were carried out in 5 patients (3 women, 2 men; mean age, 26.6 years; range, 16 to 42 years) via a 15 to 20 mm neck incision for insertion of the endoscopic camera and surgical instruments.
Results
All operations were successful without conversion to an open surgery. Operative time was 20 to 120 minutes (mean, 65 minutes). All patients were discharged the day after surgery. There were no postoperative complications (hematoma, nerve injury, infection). All patients experienced a mild degree of edema, which had resolved totally at the 6-month follow-up visit. All patients were satisfied with the outcome and especially the cosmetic result.
Conclusions
Absence of extensive scars, nontraumatic dissection, and magnification of anatomic structures are the most obvious advantages of this innovative technique.
⁎Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
†Surgical Fellow, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
‡Professor and Head, Department of Maxillofacial Surgery, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Paris, France
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Dr Meningaud: Service de Chirurgie Maxillo-faciale, CHU Pitié-Salpêtrière, 47 bd de l’hôpital. 75651 Paris Cedex 13, France
This study was supported by a grant-in-aid for scientific research from the “Fondation des Gueules Cassés.”
ABSTRACT