Successful Removal of 1.6mm Salivary Gland Stone in a 12-Year-Old Girl at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals”
A Rare Case Successfully Treated at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals
In a rare and challenging medical case, the skilled experts at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi, demonstrated their expertise by successfully removing a 1.6mm stone lodged in one of the salivary glands of a 12-year-old girl. The young patient had been experiencing persistent swelling and pain on the right side of her neck, particularly while eating. Despite visiting multiple doctors, the vague symptoms had gone undiagnosed at other facilities.
Expert Diagnosis and Referral to Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals
As the patient’s condition worsened, with repeated swelling and pain in the neck, along with difficulties in breathing and eating, her family sought help from a local physician who referred them to Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. Under the supervision of Dr. Chanchal Pal, Senior Consultant in the Department of ENT and Neck Surgery, the girl was diagnosed with a 1.6mm stone in one of her salivary glands. An immediate removal of the stone was recommended, utilizing a new advanced technique known as Sialo endoscopy.
Sialo Endoscopy – A Minimally Invasive Solution
Dr. Chanchal Pal explained that salivary glands located in the head and neck region play a vital role in digestion and saliva production. Sometimes, due to infections or dehydration, stones can form in the gland’s tubes, leading to a halt in saliva production. Traditionally, such conditions required the removal of the entire gland. However, with advancements in medical technology, Sialo endoscopy offers a minimally invasive procedure for treating and diagnosing salivary gland disorders. The technique involves using a small tube to remove the stone, ensuring a smoother recovery for the patient.
Swift and Successful Procedure for the Young Patient
The 12-year-old girl had been suffering from neck swelling and pain for three months. If left untreated, the condition could have resulted in further infections and swelling of other salivary glands, potentially spreading to other parts of the body and causing complications. Hence, the decision for an immediate procedure was crucial. The Sialo endoscopic technique was employed, and within a 30-minute procedure, the 1.6mm stone was successfully removed. Despite the stone’s smoothness, retrieval posed challenges, but the skilled team at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals ensured a successful outcome.
Safe and Effective Procedure with Minimal Invasiveness
The entire Sialo endoscopy was performed through the inside of the mouth, eliminating the risk of trauma to nearby nerves and avoiding any visible marks on the neck. The post-operative period was uneventful, and the patient was discharged, happily returning to her home with no complications.