Clinical Efficacy and Outcomes of Electro-Pneumatic Intracorporeal Lithotripsy in the Management of Sialolithiasis.

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the clinical efficacy of electro-pneumatic intracorporeal lithotripsy for the treatment of salivary gland stones.

Study design: A prospective cohort study of patients diagnosed with obstructive salivary gland syndrome, where basket-assisted sialendoscopy alone failed to remove the calculi.

Setting: This study was conducted at the "Queen Maria" Military Hospital in Brașov, Romania, and a private practice, between February 2023 and May 2024.

Methods: A total of 29 patients with salivary calculi were treated using the SialoLither device (Hidromed), which operates on the electro-pneumatic principle. The number of sessions required for complete stone removal, the duration of each session, and the number of ballistic impulses applied were recorded. Statistical analyses, including the Mann-Whitney U test and multiple linear regression, were conducted to assess the relationship between stone size, location, and treatment outcomes.

Results: Complete removal was achieved in 72.4% of patients after a single session, with 100% success after 3 sessions. The average number of impulses was 13.9 (±4.25), with no significant difference in outcomes between the parotid and submandibular glands (P > .05). The total duration varied, with a mean time of 89.97 (±54.89) minutes. Complications were minimal, with only 2 cases of minor epithelial damage.

Conclusion: Electro-pneumatic intracorporeal lithotripsy is a highly effective, minimally invasive technique for managing salivary calculi, offering a safe and efficient alternative to traditional surgical methods.