Objective: Investigate the recovery of the submandibular gland function following transoral sialolithectomy.
Methods: The glandular function of 26 patients who received the transoral sialolithectomy were investigated by sequential scintigraphy with 99m Tc pertechetate.
Results: Most glandular function recovers normal in short time after operation. Glandular infection, calculus diameter and patients's age could influence the recovery of function.
Conclusion: In the treatment of sialolithiasis, breaking up the pathogenic process of calculus formation and effectively controlling the glandular infection are very important in preventing from the function reduction. After transoral sialolithectomy preserving the anatomical normal orifice of the duct, and using silivators may be very favorable for the function recovery.