Problems with salivary glands may lead to uncomfortable swelling in the gland, leading to issues like swelling, discomfort and difficulty swallowing. Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure invented to relieve people of problems with salivary glands. Unlike traditional surgeries, sialendoscopy does not require incisions to be made, resulting in no scars even after the procedure and quick post-surgery recovery.
In this blog, we explore how the procedure works, sialendoscopy benefits, potential risks, and what to expect during the surgery. Whether you are considering the treatment or want to learn more, we can help you understand the basics of sialendoscopy to make an informed decision.
Understanding the Sialendoscopy Procedure
This procedure works by examining, studying and treating medical issues with salivary glands. The sialendoscopy procedure involves a sialendoscope inserted through a natural salivary duct opening during treatment. Through this device, doctors can view ducts in real-time, identify any other problems undetected before in them and extract small stones or widen dilated ducts. Sialendoscopy is recommended for patients who show signs of gland swelling, pain and recurring infections. This surgery is performed on an outpatient basis under the influence of local or general anaesthesia.
Most scheduled sialendoscopy sessions require a treatment duration of 30 to 60 minutes, making the method convenient for patients, as it has minimal downtime. The convenience of this procedure in treating chronic salivary gland problems has made it a game-changer in ENT care.
When To Get the Sialendoscopy Done?
You may need to seek sialendoscopy doctors if you experience:
- Recurrent salivary gland swelling: Especially when you are having meals or after it.
- Persistent pain: In the jaw, cheeks, or under the tongue.
- Difficulty swallowing: Due to gland obstruction.
- Dry mouth: Reduced saliva flow may lead to dryness in the mouth.
- Frequent infections: Due to blocked or narrowed ducts.
If these symptoms persist even after medication or other treatments, you are advised to get a consultation from an ENT expert.
How To Get a Sialendoscopy Done: Step-by-Step Process
Whether it has just been diagnosed, or you are going through sialendoscopy recovery, follow these steps for an effective treatment process:
Consultation With a Specialist
Visit an experienced ENT specialist. You can also visit the best ENT hospital in Faridabad, where doctors will work with you to understand the symptoms and your medical history in a detailed manner to offer you their medical opinion tailored to your case.Diagnostic Questions
The doctors may ask you questions around the topics given below to understand your medical case:
- Frequency and severity of gland swelling or pain.
- Medical history of infections or other previous treatments taken, if any.
- Description of issues like difficulty in swallowing or mouth dryness.
Tests and Diagnosis
The sialendoscopy doctors may recommend tests like:
- Ultrasound or CT Scan: To detect salivary stones or blockages.
- Sialography: A special dye X-ray to get detailed images of the duct.
The Procedure
- It generally takes around 30 to 60 minutes.
- Performed under local or general anaesthesia.
- Incisions are not made as the device is inserted through duct opening.
Sialendoscopy Recovery
- Most patients are discharged the same day.
- Mild swelling or discomfort may be present for another 1-2 days.
Helpful Tips
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, as it is required to stimulate the flow of saliva.
- Follow medication instructions: Take the antibiotics or pain relievers as prescribed by the doctor.
- Gentle massage: A light salivary gland massage may help further prevent blockages.
- Soft diet: Stick to easy-to-chew foods on the first day to reduce irritation.
Who Should Get Sialendoscopy Done?
The sialendoscopy procedure is recommended for:
- Patients with salivary stones: It is used to remove blockages without surgery.
- Those with narrowed ducts: It works by dilating structures and restoring saliva flow.
- Chronic infection sufferers: It is useful in identifying and treating recurring inflammation.
- Individuals with autoimmune diseases: Conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome benefit from duct examination and management.
- People with unexplained gland pain: It is helpful in gaining diagnostic clarity and in providing targeted treatment.
What Are the Benefits of a Sialendoscopy?
Sialendoscopy benefits the patients undergoing this procedure in a number of ways, such as:
- Minimally invasive treatment process: No external incisions are made, reducing the risk of infection or scarring.
- Quick recovery: Most patients recover in a day or two and are able to carry on with their daily activities with ease.
- Accurate diagnosis: Due to the real-time visualisation setup, doctors are able to pinpoint and treat the issues effectively.
- Stone and blockage removal: It helps doctors remove small stones and clear duct blockages.
- Preserves glands: Prevents unnecessary removal of salivary glands so that they can function normally.
- Reduced pain and swelling: Helps provide lasting relief with minimal discomfort even after the procedure.
What Are the Risks and Complications of the Sialendoscopy?
Although it is safe in general, some patients may experience sialendoscopy risks. Minor swelling, bleeding or discomfort are some of these. However, they are quite common and are over within a few days. In rare cases though, patients may have an infection which is easily manageable with prescribed antibiotics. Sialendoscopy risks also include injury in the duct due to severe blockage or narrow ducts.
The experienced doctors understand sialendoscopy risks and assess each case as per the need to minimise such risks. You are advised to discuss sialendoscopy complications with your specialist so that you are prepared and know beforehand what to expect.
What Should I Know About the Sialendoscopy Recovery Process?
Sialendoscopy recovery is generally quick and uncomplicated. Most patients are able to return home the same day after it, experiencing only mild discomfort or swelling for a day or two. Over-the-counter pain relievers and ice packs help manage the discomfort.
Sialendoscopy doctors may recommend you avoid hard and spicy foods until the initial irritation passes. It is important to stay hydrated to promote saliva flow and support healing.
However, follow-up appointments are crucial to ensure that the glands heal after surgery and to keep a check for any signs of infection or recurring symptoms. Adhering to post-procedure care instructions will also help you with a smoother sialendoscopy recovery.
Finding the Right Doctor for Sialendoscopy
Choosing the right specialists for sialendoscopy is vital. Doctors who have experience with sialendoscopy diagnosis should examine your symptoms and recommend the best possible course of treatment for you.
Sialendoscopy will replace the traditional surgeries used to treat issues with salivary glands; the sialendoscope is a powerful medical tool that helps us work with our patients without making a single incision. It thus eliminates the risk of surgery scars and reduces the recovery time to just one day.
If you are considering sialendoscopy, you can find the best ENT specialist in Delhi NCR at Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad. As the city’s first hospital to introduce this advanced medical technology, we are dedicated to serving our patients with confidence using the latest available technical equipment.
