Salivary fistula

SALIVARY FISTULA

It may be due to a wound of the parotid, or submaxillary, salivary gland or of stenson’s duct or Wharton’s duct.

  • Etiology
    • It may be caused by an open wound or an abscess involving the canal
  • Symptoms - Refer dollar 
  • Treatment
    • It occurs due to a recent incised wound of the gland or duct, endeavour to get healing by first intension. If the fistula has been in existence for some time, cauterization of its edges or freshening is done. After that, suture should be done.
    • Application of silver nitrate or pure nitric acid with a glass rod or of the hot iron, or freshening the lips of the wound and inserting a purse- string suture is often successful. After that there is no obstruction to the flow of saliva.
    • If the above methods fail, one of the following procedures may be adopted:

Destruction of the function gland

Indication

Occlusion of the duct and retension of secretions

Treatment 

  •  injection of irritants 
  •  ligation of stenson’s duct  ( refer practical for surgical procedure)
  • clearing the lumen of the distal portion of the duct
  • making an artificial opening into the mouth
Last modified: Tuesday, 5 June 2012, 6:51 AM