Definition and Causes of Sialocele
- A sialocele is a localized, subcutaneous cavity containing saliva.
- It is caused by trauma, such as violence, accident, or surgery, or infection.
- Sialoceles commonly develop about 8-14 days after injury.
- They are a relatively common complication following surgery to the salivary glands, particularly parotidectomy.
- Sialoceles can occur in about 5-10% of cases of superficial parotidectomy.
Characteristics and Management of Sialocele
- Sialoceles are usually not painful and considered a mild and self-limiting complication.
- The swelling can be managed by repeated aspiration (draining) of the fluid using a needle.
- The fluid in a sialocele is usually clear yellow and contains amylase.
- Pressure dressings are not typically used for sialoceles.
- Surgical drain may be required if the sialocele persists, although it is rare.
Alternative Treatment for Sialocele
- Botulinum toxin injections have been used to manage sialoceles.
- This alternative treatment may provide relief and help resolve the condition.
- Botulinum toxin injections work by reducing saliva production and preventing accumulation.
- It can be an effective non-surgical option for some patients with sialoceles.
- Further research and studies are needed to evaluate the long-term efficacy of this treatment.
Related Conditions
- Mucocele is a related condition that involves a mucous-filled cyst in the salivary glands.
- Ranula is another related condition characterized by a cystic swelling on the floor of the mouth.
- These conditions share similarities with sialoceles but have distinct features and causes.
- Proper diagnosis and differentiation are crucial for appropriate management.
- Treatment approaches may vary depending on the specific condition.
References
- Araujo, MR; Centurion, BS; Albuquerque, DF; Marchesano, LH; Damante, JH (2010). Management of a parotid sialocele in a young patient: case report and literature review.
- Hupp JR, Ellis E, Tucker MR (2008). Contemporary oral and maxillofacial surgery.
- Carlson E; Ord R (2009). Textbook and Color Atlas of Salivary Gland Pathology: Diagnosis and Management.
- Capaccio, P; Paglia, M; Minorati, D; Manzo, R; Ottaviani, F (2004). Diagnosis and therapeutic management of iatrogenic parotid sialocele.
- Myers EN; Ferris RL (2007). Salivary Gland Disorders.
- Eisele D; Smith RV (2008). Complications in Head and Neck Surgery.
A sialocele is a localized, subcutaneous cavity containing saliva. It is caused by trauma (e.g. violence, accident or surgery) or infection. They most commonly develop about 8–14 days after injury.
They are a relatively common complication following surgery to the salivary glands, commonly parotidectomy (removal of the parotid gland). In this case the sialocele is the result of saliva draining out of remaining parotid tissue, and occurs about 5 to 10% of cases of superficial (partial) parotidectomy.
It is usually not painful, and a mild and self-limiting complication, and is managed by repeated aspiration (draining) of the swelling via a needle after the skin has been disinfected with an antibacterial. The fluid is usually a clear yellow, and contains amylase (in contrast to fluid from a seroma). Pressure dressings do not tend to be used. They are rarely chronic, however if persistent a surgical drain may be required. Botulinum toxin injections have also been used to manage this condition.
