Sialendoscopic treatment of recurrent juvenile parotitis: A South African case series

Abstract

Background. Recurrent juvenile parotitis (RJP) is a well-recognised cause of parotitis in childhood. Sialendoscopy has been extensively used for the investigation and treatment of many benign salivary disorders, and now offers a minimally invasive approach to RJP.

Objectives. To investigate the epidemiology and disease profile of RJP, and review the efficacy of sialendoscopy for its investigation and treatment.

Methods. The relevant literature on RJP was reviewed, and a retrospective folder review was performed for all patients who had undergone sialendoscopy for RJP at two South African (SA) hospitals between April 2013 and September 2015. Patients’ epidemiological and clinical data were recorded, as well as the findings and outcomes of ultrasonography and sialendoscopy. In particular, the time following treatment without any further recurrences was recorded as a measure of success.

Results. Five children underwent sialendoscopic investigation and treatment for RJP. Their demographic and disease profiles and the results of investigations and treatments were in keeping with published literature. No surgical complications occurred, and no patients reported any further symptoms postoperatively, with an average follow-up of 22 months.

Conclusion. Although small in sample size, this is the first reported case series in the SA literature on the use of sialendoscopy for RJP, and the results are consistent with internationally published data. Sialendoscopy is regarded as safe and effective for the diagnosis and management of RJP, and should be considered for patients who remain symptomatic after conservative management.