Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in the therapy of salivary calculi: efficacy, risks and limits. Review of the literature. Note 1

The authors carry out a review of the international literature on an alternative methodology to surgical therapy of lithiasis of the salivary glands, indicating information, limitations and possible complications. More than fifty papers by international authors were analysed regarding their experience on the use of electro-magnetic waves in the treatment of salivary gland lithiasis. It was observed that extracorporeal lithotripsy is an alternative and valid method to surgery, considering that the complications are negligible. Considering the expectations and the relationship between cost and advantage, extracorporeal lithotripsy can be considered as first treatment with surgery as second therapeutic choice.