Sialendoscopy is a revolutionary minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat salivary gland disorders — including stones, strictures, and chronic inflammation — without open surgery or scarring. Dr. Sandhya Gokavarapu uses state-of-the-art micro-endoscopic techniques to preserve the salivary gland and restore its function, offering patients a faster, safer, and scar-free alternative to traditional surgery.
Unlike traditional salivary gland surgery which involves removing the entire gland, sialendoscopy treats the problem from within — preserving the gland and its saliva-producing function entirely.
The same procedure that visualizes the inside of the duct can simultaneously remove stones, break up blockages, and dilate strictures — making it both a diagnostic and treatment tool in a single session.
Most patients resume normal activities within a day or two of the procedure, with full recovery typically taking no more than one week.
A sharp, cramping pain in the cheek or under the jaw that occurs specifically when eating — or even when anticipating food — is the hallmark symptom of a salivary duct stone blocking saliva flow.
Repeated episodes of swelling in the parotid (cheek) or submandibular (under jaw) gland that come and go — especially around mealtimes — strongly indicate a partial or complete duct obstruction.
Persistent dry mouth caused by reduced or blocked saliva production can make eating, speaking, and swallowing uncomfortable, indicating a need for duct assessment and clearance.
Tenderness over the cheek or jaw area, sometimes accompanied by a visible lump or firm swelling, may indicate an inflamed or obstructed salivary gland requiring endoscopic evaluation.
Calcium mineral deposits form within the salivary ducts, blocking saliva flow and causing pain and swelling — the most common reason sialendoscopy is performed, most frequently in the submandibular gland.
Narrowing of the salivary duct — caused by previous infection, injury, or inflammation — reduces saliva flow and leads to gland swelling, pain, and recurrent infections treatable by endoscopic dilation.
Repeated inflammation of the salivary gland, often related to reduced saliva flow or autoimmune conditions, causes progressive damage to the duct — sialendoscopy with irrigation and steroid instillation can significantly reduce recurrence.
Thick mucus accumulations can partially or fully block the salivary duct — particularly in patients with Sjögren's syndrome or those on certain medications — causing pain and swelling relieved by endoscopic flushing.
A condition in children characterized by repeated, painful swelling of the parotid gland — sialendoscopy with saline irrigation and steroid instillation is a well-established and highly effective treatment.
Before the procedure, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI is used to locate the exact position and size of the stone or obstruction within the duct — allowing precise planning for the most efficient endoscopic approach.
The micro-endoscope is gently guided through the natural duct opening inside the mouth to visually inspect the entire duct system — identifying stones, strictures, inflammation, or abnormal tissue without any incisions.
Small to medium salivary stones are directly retrieved using tiny baskets or graspers passed through the working channel of the endoscope — completely removing the obstruction without any external surgery.
Larger stones that cannot be removed whole are broken into smaller fragments using laser or pneumatic lithotripsy through the endoscope — the pieces are then flushed out or retrieved, clearing the duct.
Narrowed or scarred salivary ducts are gently stretched and widened using micro-dilators or balloon catheters passed through the endoscope — restoring normal saliva flow and relieving chronic obstruction.
The duct and gland are flushed with saline to remove debris, mucus plugs, and inflammatory material. Anti-inflammatory steroids are instilled directly into the gland to reduce chronic inflammation and prevent recurrence.
Schedule your consultation at our Jubilee Hills clinic at a time that suits you.
Thorough examination of your jaw, bite, muscles, and joint plus review of imaging if available.
Clear explanation of your diagnosis with a personalized, staged treatment roadmap.
Start your individualized treatment with ongoing support through recovery and long-term follow-up.