Sialolithiasis and submandibular gland excision: Report of cases

Sialolithiasis is the most common salivary gland disorder, and it consists in an inflammatory process related with a partial or total duct obstruction. The submandibular gland is the most affected one, representing 80% of the incidence rate. The treatment varies and depends on the location, number and size of the sialolith and the surgeon’s experience. In this report of two cases of sialodenitis due sialolithiasis, the sialoliths were located in the glandular’s parenchyma and posterior region of the Wharton’s duct and were treated by submandibular gland and sialolith excision using submandibular approach. Despite of the variety of techniques available to the treatment of sialolithiasis, the submandibular gland excision with the sialolith demonstrated to be a well-indicated and secure technique to treat sialadenitis due sialolithiasis, when the calculi is located in areas accessible by the intraoral approach and when the gland is not functional. The surgical technique is easy to perform, but careful is necessary not to damage important structures around to the submandibular gland.