Illustration of sialendoscopy procedure showing removal of salivary stone.

Salivary Stones Got You Down? How to Protect Your Glands and Find Relief

Nico Varela in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A modern guide to understanding salivary stones, exploring innovative treatments, and preserving your gland health for a happier, healthier you."

Salivary gland obstruction, often caused by salivary stones (sialoliths), can be a real pain – literally! Characterized by recurring pain and swelling, especially when eating, it affects a significant portion of the population. While some stones pass unnoticed, others cause considerable discomfort and require medical intervention.

Historically, the primary approach to managing salivary stones involved alleviating inflammation and often removing the affected gland. However, modern medicine is increasingly focused on preserving the gland whenever possible. Why? Because glands with chronic inflammation can often recover and function normally once the obstruction is removed.

This shift towards gland preservation has led to the rise of minimally invasive techniques like sialendoscopy, which allows doctors to visualize and treat the source of obstruction directly. But is sialendoscopy always the best option? Recent research is helping to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from this approach and when more traditional surgical methods might be more effective.

Understanding Sialendoscopy: A Modern Approach to Salivary Stones

Illustration of sialendoscopy procedure showing removal of salivary stone.

Sialendoscopy, first introduced in 1991, has revolutionized the treatment of salivary stones. This minimally invasive procedure uses small endoscopes to navigate the salivary ducts, allowing doctors to visualize and remove stones or dilate strictures. Compared to traditional surgery, sialendoscopy is generally considered safer, with a lower complication rate.

However, sialendoscopy isn't without its drawbacks. The equipment can be expensive, and surgeons require specialized training to perform the procedure effectively. While infrequent, complications like duct avulsion, strictures, and perforations can occur, often linked to the surgeon's experience. Additionally, sialendoscopy isn't universally available, particularly in smaller communities.

Advantages of Sialendoscopy:
- Direct visualization of salivary ducts.
- Minimally invasive approach.
- Lower complication rates compared to traditional surgery.
Disadvantages of Sialendoscopy:
- High equipment costs.
- Requires specialized training.
- Potential for complications (though rare).
- Not universally available.

So, how do doctors decide when sialendoscopy is the right choice? A recent study published in "Head & Neck" sheds light on this question by identifying factors that predict the success (or failure) of endoscopic management of salivary stones.

Making Informed Decisions for Your Salivary Gland Health

Dealing with salivary stones can be frustrating, but understanding your treatment options is the first step towards finding relief and protecting your long-term salivary gland health. By considering factors like stone size and location, your doctor can determine the most appropriate approach, whether it's minimally invasive sialendoscopy or a targeted surgical removal. Don't hesitate to discuss your concerns and ask questions to ensure you're making informed decisions about your care.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1002/hed.25560, Alternate LINK

Title: Gland‐Preserving Surgery For Salivary Stones And The Utility Of Sialendoscopes

Subject: Otorhinolaryngology

Journal: Head & Neck

Publisher: Wiley

Authors: Joshua E. Fabie, Anvesh R. Kompelli, Tate M. Naylor, Shaun A. Nguyen, Eric J. Lentsch, M. Boyd Gillespie

Published: 2018-12-14

Everything You Need To Know

What are salivary stones, and how do they cause problems?

Salivary stones, also known as sialoliths, are mineral deposits that form within the salivary glands or their ducts. These stones can obstruct the flow of saliva, leading to a range of uncomfortable symptoms. The primary issue is that they block the natural release of saliva, especially during eating, causing pain and swelling. This obstruction can also lead to inflammation and, if left untreated, potentially chronic issues with the affected salivary gland. The article highlights that this obstruction can cause significant discomfort and necessitate medical intervention.

What is sialendoscopy, and how does it differ from traditional surgery for salivary stones?

Sialendoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure used to treat salivary stones. It involves using small endoscopes to navigate the salivary ducts, allowing doctors to directly visualize and remove stones or dilate strictures. This is a significant advancement compared to traditional surgery, which often involved removing the entire affected salivary gland. Sialendoscopy is generally considered safer, with lower complication rates. The key difference lies in its gland-preserving approach, offering a less invasive way to treat the root cause of the problem without necessarily sacrificing the gland's function.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of sialendoscopy for salivary stone removal?

Sialendoscopy offers several advantages, including direct visualization of the salivary ducts, a minimally invasive approach, and lower complication rates compared to traditional surgery. However, it also has its drawbacks. The equipment required for sialendoscopy is expensive, and surgeons need specialized training to perform the procedure effectively. Furthermore, while rare, there's a potential for complications such as duct avulsion, strictures, and perforations. Another limitation is that sialendoscopy is not universally available, particularly in smaller communities. These factors influence when sialendoscopy is the best choice for a patient.

How do doctors decide between sialendoscopy and other treatments for salivary stones?

The choice between sialendoscopy and other treatments depends on several factors. The article emphasizes that doctors consider factors like stone size and location when determining the most appropriate approach. Recent research, as mentioned in the context of a study published in "Head & Neck," helps identify which patients are most likely to benefit from sialendoscopy. In some cases, traditional surgical methods might be more effective. The goal is to determine the best approach to provide relief and to protect long-term salivary gland health. So, making an informed decision involves evaluating the specifics of each case.

What can I do to ensure I'm making informed decisions about my salivary gland health if I have salivary stones?

If you are dealing with salivary stones, the first step is understanding your treatment options. You can ensure you're making informed decisions by discussing your concerns and asking questions. The article encourages you to consider factors like stone size and location with your doctor. By being proactive and inquiring about both sialendoscopy and alternative treatments, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of your care. This process allows you to actively participate in the decision-making process with the aim of finding relief and protecting the long-term health of your salivary glands.