[Preliminary experience with endoscope-assisted transoral excision of the submandibular gland].

Objective: To discuss the indications, risks and benefits of endoscope-assisted transoral approach to excise the submandibular gland.

Methods: A retrospective review of a series of 12 patients treated by endoscope-assisted transoral submandibular gland excision was carried out. Of the 12 patients, 8 were chronic sialoadenitis (2 cases with sialolith), 3 were pleomorphic adenoma, and 1 was cyst of submandibular gland.