Evaluation of submandibular gland function by sialo-scintigraphy following sialolithectomy.

Submandibular gland function following transoral sialolithectomy was examined by 99mTc-pertechnetate sialo-scintigraphy in 10 cases. An intraindividual comparison between the function of the treated gland and that of the contralateral normal gland was made using a time-activity curve. Although glandular recovery was not affected by the duration of symptoms or the existence of the symptom at mealtimes, it was inversely proportional to the size of the calculus. Furthermore, the prognosis was more favorable in patients when the anatomically normal orifice of the submandibular duct was preserved.