Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Management for Submandibular Sialolithiasis: Gland Resection Versus Preservation

Claire Orth; Edward Tannenbaum; Evgeniya Molotkova; Piper Vander Waal; Kailey Henkle; Henry Hoffman

doi:10.1002/lio2.70515

Back

Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Management for Submandibular Sialolithiasis: Gland Resection Versus Preservation

Journal article

Open access

Peer reviewed

Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Management for Submandibular Sialolithiasis: Gland Resection Versus Preservation

Claire Orth, Edward Tannenbaum, Evgeniya Molotkova, Piper Vander Waal, Kailey Henkle and Henry Hoffman

Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology, Vol.11(4), e70515

07/23/2026

DOI: 10.1002/lio2.70515

PMID: 42500748

Files and links (1)

url

https://doi.org/10.1002/lio2.70515View

Published (Version of record) Open Access

Abstract

Describe long-term outcomes of submandibular sialolithiasis treatment, comparing gland-preserving procedures to gland resection. This retrospective cohort study with prospective patient-reported outcome assessment study included all patients who underwent initial surgical management of submandibular sialolithiasis by a single surgeon from 2013 to 2018. Patients were contacted in 2024 and surveyed regarding treatment response. The primary outcome was xerostomia at long-term follow-up, measured using the Xerostomia Questionnaire (XQ). Secondary outcomes included stone recurrence, postoperative complications, and "ultimate surgical success," defined as resolution of salivary symptoms without additional interventions during the 5-to-10-year interval following the initial series of procedures. Eighty-two patients were identified; 36 (43.9%) completed follow-up. Of 36 respondents (median follow-up 97.4 months), 11 (30.6%) underwent initial gland resection and 25 (69.4%) underwent initial gland-preserving, sialendoscopy-assisted procedures. Among the preservation group, 1 patient required a second gland-preserving procedure, and 3 ultimately underwent gland removal due to persistent symptoms. Resolution of symptoms after the first procedure occurred in all resection patients (100%) and 18 of 25 (72%) in the preservation group. Among those with preserved glands at follow-up ( = 22), 6 (27.3%) reported xerostomia (mean XQ 8.0) compared to 4 of 14 (28.6%) in the resection group (mean XQ 3.4). Ultimate surgical success was achieved in 90.9% of the preservation group and 100% of the resection group. Both surgical approaches offer durable outcomes, though gland preservation may carry a higher risk of persistent symptoms and potential need for additional intervention. Xerostomia rates were comparable, suggesting gland preservation does not necessarily reduce long-term xerostomia risk. OCEBM Level 4.

gland resection

sialendoscopy

submandibular sialolithiasis

xerostomia

salivary stones

UIOWA OA Agreement

Details

Title: Subtitle: Long-Term Outcomes of Surgical Management for Submandibular Sialolithiasis: Gland Resection Versus Preservation
Creators: Claire Orth - University of Iowa
Edward Tannenbaum - University of Iowa, Otolaryngology
Evgeniya Molotkova - University of Iowa
Piper Vander Waal - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Kailey Henkle - University of Iowa
Henry Hoffman - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology, Vol.11(4), e70515
DOI: 10.1002/lio2.70515
PMID: 42500748
NLM abbreviation: Laryngoscope Investig Otolaryngol
ISSN: 2378-8038
eISSN: 2378-8038
Publisher: Wiley
Language: English
Date published: 07/23/2026
Academic Unit: The University of Iowa Institute for Vision Research; Radiation Oncology; Otolaryngology
Record Identifier: 9985183561702771

Metrics

1 Record Views