Abstract: Objective: To observe the application of sialoendoscopy and intraoral small incision in removing deep hilar submandibular calculi. Methods: Data from patients with deep hilar submandibular calculi who visited our hospital from January 2020 to December 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who underwent sialoendoscopy and intraoral small incision surgery for stone removal were included in the observation group (53 cases), while patients who underwent traditional intraoral incision for stone removal were included in the control group (55 cases). Success rate and incidence of complications were analyzed. The quality of life before and after operation in the observation group was evaluated. Results: In the observation group, 52 cases were successfully removed the calculi and the gland was preserved, with a surgical success rate of 98.1%. No postoperative complications such as lingual nerve injury were observed. One case in which the stone was not removed underwent submandibular gland resection during the surgery, however, temporary lingual nerve injury occurred postoperation, with a complication rate of 1.89%. After follow-up, the glands of 52 patients with stones removed restored function at varied degrees, and the postoperative quality of life was improved (P<0.05). There was no secondary surgical resection of submandibular glands up to present. However, in the control group, 35 cases were successfully removed the stone, with a success rate of 63.6%. Among them, 10 patients experienced temporary lingual nerve injury, and 1 patient developed sublingual gland cyst, with a complication rate of 20%. Conclusion: Sialoendoscopy and intraoral small incision surgery has a high success rate, minimal trauma, and fewer postoperative complications in the treatment of deep hilar submandibular calculi, which is beneficial for improving quality of life.

Key words: sialoendoscopy, intraoral incision, salivary duct calculi, quality of life