A salivary duct stricture is a narrowing or bend in the duct that drains saliva from your salivary gland to your mouth. This restriction can block the normal flow of saliva, leading to swelling, discomfort, and pain—especially during meals. The symptoms often resemble those caused by salivary stones, making expert evaluation essential. At ENT Central in Palmerston North, Dr. Naveed Basheeth offers precise diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment using advanced sialendoscopy, which allows both identification and correction of the problem in a single procedure.
If my ultrasound didn’t show a stone, how can there still be a blockage?
Ultrasound and CT scans are excellent for detecting calcified stones, but soft tissue strictures often go unnoticed with these methods. A stricture is like a scar or soft narrowing inside the duct and is best identified through sialendoscopy, which offers a direct visual look inside the duct system.
What does it mean to “dilate” a salivary duct stricture?
Dilation involves gently widening the narrowed segment of the duct to restore proper saliva flow. This is usually done using tiny tools or a small balloon inserted through the endoscope. The process is quick, precise, and generally provides immediate relief from symptoms.
Can the stricture come back after treatment?
While most patients experience long-term relief, there is a small risk of recurrence if scar tissue reforms. To minimize this risk, Dr. Basheeth may apply targeted treatments—such as anti-inflammatory medication or a small steroid injection—during the procedure to reduce the chance of the stricture returning.
What causes salivary duct strictures in the first place?
The most common cause is chronic inflammation, often from repeated infections or trauma caused by the movement of a salivary stone. Over time, this inflammation leads to scarring inside the duct, which narrows the passage and blocks the flow of saliva.