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.