ENDOSIALOSCOPIC DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF SIALOLITHIASIS
The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of endosialoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with sialolithiasis. Material and methods. 106 clinical observations were analyzed in which computed tomography (multislice spiral computed tomography or cone-beam computed tomography) without contrast, salivary gland ultrasound and endosialoscopy were used to diagnose and treat patients with sialolithiasis. In the process of diagnostic sialoscopy, the patency of the ducts, the presence of strictures and dilatations, the condition of their walls, the severity of the vascular pattern, the integrity of the epithelial lining, the contents of the ducts, the presence of mucus, pus, and, of course, the presence of sialolites, their number, size, shape, density were evaluated. Results and discussion. Endoscopy allows you to get unique information about sialolite and the state of the ductal apparatus, which determines the method of further treatment. Endosialoscopy can be used as a standard diagnostic method for suspected sialolithiasis and for the removal of sialolites (using endoscopic instruments) or as assistance. At the same time, diagnostic endosialoscopy is not an exhaustive method; therefore it should be carried out in conjunction with other methods - computed tomography or ultrasound of the salivary glands. The possibility of endoscopic sialolite removal depends on its mobility, size, location and condition of the duct. Attempts to capture and remove fixed sialolites, which are only partially visible and located in the deep sections of the salivary gland beyond the bend or stenosis section using endoscopic techniques, have been unsuccessful.