Outcome and relative cost of transoral removal of submandibular calculi

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To examine the outcomes and treatment cost of transoral removal of submandibular calculi, and to compare the outcomes and costs of other reported techniques. METHOD: Retrospective review of 60 consecutive patients undergoing transoral removal of submandibular calculi. All clinical, operative, post-operative and follow-up data were collated and outcomes analysed. RESULTS: A total of 61 submandibular glands were treated by the transoral approach. Patients with multiple stones (p = 0.034) and stones in the proximal submandibular duct (p = 0.0028) were at greater risk of requiring submandibular gland excision, compared with patients with single stones and stones in the distal duct, respectively. There was a significant difference between the gland preservation rate during the first versus the second half of the study (p = 0.028). Larger calculi were significantly more likely to be seen in the proximal duct (p < 0.001). The mean operating time (28 minutes) and length of hospital stay for transoral removal of submandibular calculi was much less than those for other treatment techniques.