Title: Sialendoscopy my series

Abstract:

Sialendoscopy is a procedure used to examine the ducts  of the major salivary glands. A miniature telescope, known as a micro-endoscope, is inserted into the appropriate salivary gland duct as it enters the mouth. This allows the salivary gland ducts to be explored and small instruments can be inserted through the micro-endoscope to remove any salivary stones or debris that may be present. Balloon dilatation of strictures can also be performe. Usually the procedure can be done under local anaesthetic. Once the telescope is introduced the duct will be examined. To allow inspection of the ducts they need to be rinsed with fluid throughout the procedure. This rinsing will cause some temporary swelling of your gland. The swelling usually resolves within twenty-four hours. Small stones can be removed through the Micro endoscope. Larger stones can sometimes be broken into smaller pieces and removed through the endoscope. In some cases a combined endoscopic and surgical approach will be recommended. This is usually for large stones that have become stuck within the ducts. Narrowing of strictures of the duct can be stretched to allow better salivary flow.

Biography:

Ahmed graduated in 1984 from Dow Medical College and in her training years rotated through all the major teaching hospitals in North West London. She initially trained in Head & Neck cancer surgery; thereafter in Otology and Salivary Gland surgery.  Ms Ahmed is now a full-time ENT Consultant in the Morecambe Bay Trust and has worked with them for about 16 years. She performs all mastoid surgery, most other forms of ear surgery and is the only ENT Surgeon at Morecambe Bay Trust undertaking salivary gland surgery, particularly of the parotid gland. She has also trained in sialendoscopy which is an endoscopic; organ preservation approach to salivary gland pathology.