Interventional sialography

Treatment for salivary gland obstruction

A minimally-invasive technique to help identify and correct the causes of salivary gland obstruction.

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020 7079 4344

What is a sialography?

This minimally-invasive procedure involves having an X-ray to view the salivary glands (saliogram).

This allows consultants to see whether there is an obstruction in the salivary glands, such as a salivary stone (calculus) or stricture (narrowing of the ducts) within the duct.

These will then be removed or dilated to correct the obstruction.

Need to know

  • What happens during the procedure? icon plus

    When saliva doesn’t flow easily out of the gland, it can lead to swelling of the gland, causing pain and discomfort. The cause of the obstruction is usually a salivary stone or narrowing in the ducts. These can be treated using radiologically-guided techniques.

    First, you will have a saliogram (an X-ray of the salivary glands) to determine the cause of the obstruction. A small tube will be inserted into the duct of your salivary glands.

    If stones are found, another treatment will extract them by trapping them in fine wire baskets. When the duct had become narrowed, an angioplasty balloon catheter is inserted into the duct to dilate it.

  • How to prepare icon plus

    This treatment means you can avoid the need for traditional surgical gland removal under general anaesthetic. Both parts of the treatment are carried out under local anaesthetic, so you'll be awake, but you won’t feel any pain.

    Your consultant will tell you how to prepare for your operation. Like all procedures, there may be some risks and side effects involved. Your consultant will explain these to you and answer any questions you may have.

  • After the procedure icon plus

    This is a quick and simple treatment and you will be able to leave immediately afterwards and return to normal activities straightaway.

Our consultants

We're proud to work with leading experts across a range of medical fields, whose skills are matched by their integrity and compassion. Our consultant work with a team of radiologists and radiographers to ensure investigations are managed effectively.

Our locations

From complex surgery to straightforward procedures, we provide exceptional care across our network of hospitals, outpatient centres and specialist clinics.

Private Treatment for salivary gland obstruction in Birmingham

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Our team can help with any enquiries or you can make an appointment with one of our experienced consultants.

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020 7079 4344
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This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
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