Pulsed Dye Laser Lithotripsy of Salivary Stones with Endoscopic Monitoring; First Clinical Application

Abstract

The application of laser beams for the fragmentation of salivary stones was examined. Studies of the absorption and reflection spectra of sections of salivary stones showed that optimal fragmentation was achieved with a pulsed dye laser with a pulse width of 1.4 psec and a wave-length of 504nm. Further studies of particle size were conducted, and a new “sialoendoscope” technique was developed. Two patients with a sialolithiasis of the submandibular gland were treated. Under continuous endoscopic monitoring, laser-induced shock wave lithotripsy was performed. In one patient complete fragmentation and removal of the salivary stones was achieved and in the other 70% fragmentation was possible, and salivary flow was restored. This approach to laser lithotripsy of salivary stones with endoscopic monitoring represents a novel method that permits treatment on an outpatient basis under local anesthesia with little inconvenience to the patient.