Salivary Gland Stone and Infection Center
The team of experts at the UPMC Salivary Gland Stone and Infection Center are dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of patients with salivary gland pathology and conditions. The Salivary Gland Stone and Infection Center’s team of experts also works to advance the practice of minimally invasive surgical techniques.
Our Experts
About Us
The center provides state-of-the-art minimally invasive care for patients suffering from disorders affecting the saliva glands. The center’s physicians provide diagnostic evaluations as well as outpatient surgery for inflammatory conditions of the salivary glands. Stones which form within the glands can often be removed with tiny 1mm endoscopes inserted through the salivary duct openings in the mouth. Patients usually recover more quickly from these procedures, which are often done with a combination of local anesthesia and sedation.
Sometimes, if the stone is large, the doctor is required to make a small incision to create a larger opening to remove the stone Patients who are not candidates for a minimally invasive procedure can have traditional surgery where the gland is removed, but most cases can avoid these procedures and the creation of a scar.
Research
Dr. Schaitkin and his team are dedicated to furthering research and education on salivary gland diseases, conditions, and treatments. Many of his patients have agreed to be a part of their research to help further the field. Dr. Schaitkin is frequently publishing on the subject. You may be asked to play a role in this research, but this is an option and you have the right to accept or decline the offer.
Our Experts
To learn more about our experts click on their name.
Patient Information
Patients with salivary gland stones, salivary gland cancer, or stenosis may experience swelling in front of their ears or below their jaw bones which can create difficulty for every day activities such as eating. When patients first arrive to the UPMC Salivary Gland Stone and Infection Center they will be given a clinical evaluation in order to look at the glands and their openings into the mouth. An inspection for growths, cancer, or stones can be undertaken at that time. Imaging, including ultrasound, MRI, and CT scanning, may also be needed to form a proper diagnosis. Please bring all health insurance information to the first visit.
If surgery is needed the doctor will then work with the patient to set a time and date for the surgery. Surgeries are performed in the operating room under sedation (twilight) or general anesthesia. Depending on the surgery, patients are typically discharged on the same day and generally return to work the next day.
The most common and preferred procedure performed at UPMC’s Salivary Gland Stone and Infection Center is the salivary endoscopy. The salivary endoscopy is a procedure that is done by dilating the small openings in the mouth and salivary glands and then viewing the stones using a small telescope. Using this telescope allows for a quicker and less invasive procedure to remove salivary gland stones. Sometimes, if the stone is large, the doctor is required to make a small incision to create a larger opening to remove the stone.
Like any surgery, there are possible complications that can occur from salivary endoscopy. Though the risk is low, it is important to be aware of the following possible complications:
- Failure to retrieve the stone
- Need for an external (classic) salivary gland procedure
- Perforation of the duct with infection
- Swelling
- Bleeding
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