Sub mandibulectomy for chronic sclerosing sialadenitis – comments on a clinical case

Abstract

Introduction. Sialolithiasis is one of the most common pathologies of the salivary glands. When calculi are present in the distal excretory duct, in the hilum or in the parenchyma, complete removal of the submandibular gland is recommended. Case report. We present the case of a 43-year-old male patient, suffering from left chronic submandibular sialadenitis. The patient accused recurring colic and intermittent swelling of the left submandibular gland experienced for about 10 years, with a progressive evolution. CT scan revealed a lower volume of the left submandibular gland compared to the right submandibular gland, the presence of a microcalcification in the parenchyma and an oval calcification corresponding to the projection area of the left submandibular gland’s duct. A left sub mandibulectomy was performed. Conclusion. Complete removal of the submandibular gland is the most effective therapy for sialolithiasis, being associated with better long-term outcomes and low operative morbidity.

Keywords

• submandibular lithiasis
• surgical treatment
• salivary glands