Endoscope-assisted submandibular sialadenectomy: a new minimally invasive approach to the submandibular gland

Purpose: Although submandibular sialadenectomy with a minimal incision improves overall cosmetic outcomes, visualization of the surgical field exposure is relatively limited as compared with that in the conventional procedure. To overcome this limitation, we applied the endoscope system to submandibular sialadenectomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility and potential role of our endoscope-assisted submandibular sialadenectomy (EASS). Materials and methods: We performed EASS on 5 patients, 3 of whom had intraparenchymal sialolithiasis and 2 of whom had pleomorphic adenomas. The dissection was carried out by bipolar dissection with a 4-mm nasal endoscope system. Results: The procedure achieved successful results for all 5 patients except for 1 who had severe adhesion to the adjacent tissues; this patient suffered from postoperative lingual nerve paresthesia. All the patients achieved good cosmetic outcomes. Conclusions: An EASS with bipolar dissection is technically feasible and secures a better surgical view through a minimal incision. However, for patients with severe adhesion to the adjacent tissues, conversion to the wide-open procedure would be safer.