EVALUATION OF SIALENDOSCOPIC MANAGEMENT OF NON-CALCULAR OBSTRUCTIVE SIALADENITIS

Abstract

Introduction :Chronic obstructive sialadenitis is a disorder of salivary flow obstruction that may be either calculous (stone-related) or non-calculous. It is characterized by reduced or absent salivary secretion, often presenting with xerostomia, painful glandular swelling, or recurrent infections. Underlying causes include salivary duct stones, mucous plugs, ductal stenosis, strictures, autoimmune conditions (e.g., Sjögren’s syndrome), juvenile recurrent parotitis (JRP), and iatrogenic insults such as radio-active iodine treatment (RAI) or radiotherapy (RT).While calculous causes are commonly managed with stone removal techniques, non-calculous obstructive sialadenitis poses greater diagnostic and therapeutic challenges due to its often diffuse, inflammatory, or fibrotic nature. Traditional medical therapies provide limited symptom control and may not reverse glandular dysfunction.Sialendoscopy has emerged as a minimally invasive, gland-preserving technique that enables both diagnosis and therapeutic intervention in non-calculous cases. It allows direct ductal visualization, lavage, dilation of strictures, and intraductal steroid delivery — offering a promising approach to restoring salivary gland function and improving patient quality of life.