What Salivary Endoscopy Can and Cannot Do: A Primer

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Salivary endoscopy is a well-recognized technique for the treatment of salivary gland disease, but its use remains fairly restricted due to the expense of the equipment and a steep learning curve. The goal of this panel is to discuss the procedure, indications and limitations for those Otolaryngologists who do not perform the procedure themselves but would like to refer appropriate cases to colleagues who do. The panel will discuss what is most helpful to try before sending to a salivary endoscopy-trained colleague, what imaging is helpful prior to referral, what types of problems endoscopes can treat, and those not amenable to endoscopic treatment. Non-endoscopic treatments of salivary disorders will also be discussed. This presentation will utilize a case-based approach.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Understand the utility of and indications for the use of endoscopes in salivary gland disorders

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Understand the advantages of differing imaging techniques in salivary disorders for which salivary endoscopy may be indicated

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Understand the limitations of salivary endoscopy and non-endoscopic management options for salivary disorders

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: Many Otolaryngologists may have had limited or no exposure to salivary endoscopy. In order to use specialty resources effectively, there is a benefit to providing information to Otolaryngologists at all practice levels about the benefits of and limitations to salivary endoscopy.