[Transoral removal of submandibular hilar calculi].

Introduction: Sialolithiasis is the most common non-neoplastic salivary gland disease, accounting for 1.2% of the autoptic population. More than 80% of salivary calculi are located in the submandibular ductal system. Hilar calculi are usually removed by transcervical submandibular sialadenectomy. However, intra-oral removal of hilum submandibular calculi is an interesting alternative.

Indications: The main criterion for intra-oral removal is the calculi palpability, knowing that calculi under 8mm of diameter are often treated by other techniques (sialendoscopy and lithotripsy).

Operative Procedure: We describe a conservative and gland-preserving transoral surgical technique for hilar submandibular calculi with postoperative sialendoscopic control. The different surgical steps are illustrated.

Discussion: Preservation of the submandibular gland has been attempted in the treatment of sialotithiasis by transoral resection of calculi from the hilum of the gland. This technique features a low morbidity and leads to a complete recovery of glandular function.