Large Sialolith of the Submandibular Gland: Report of A Case and Comparison of Sialolithotomy vs Sialoadenectomy

In this report we present a patient with a large sialolith of the submandibular gland and its treatment by sialolithotomy. sialoadenectomy vs. sialolithotomy for treatment of large submandibular gland calculi has been discussed. a 49 year-old male administered to our clinic with an ultrasonography report specifying submandibular gland calculi. an orthopantomograph was obtained and a large radio opaque lesion was detected just below the leftmandibular border, in alignment with the second molar tooth. computerized tomography examination was made and the calculus was designated to be in the posterior part of the gland. the sialolith was removed under general anesthesia, sialoadenectomy was not performed. at 3 months, 6 months and 1-year follow-up patient did not have any complaints. we are in the opinion that sialolithotomy should be preferred primarily for large submandibular sialoliths and sialoadenectomy should be considered only if symptoms occur.