Integrated therapy of intraductal irrigations and sialoendoscopies of salivary glands to improve mouth dryness

Objective: To assess the combination of salivary gland intraductal irrigations (IG) followed by sialoendoscopy irrigations (SI) of the parotid gland on the improvement of salivary gland secretory dysfunction (SGSD). Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the records of SGSD patients who underwent major salivary gland IG followed by SI during 2014–2020. Records included demographics, systemic background, signs, and symptoms. Improvement was assessed by comparing the mean unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary flow rate (UWSF, SWSF) from the baseline point (before IG procedure) to the last point (after SI) using repeated measures. The between-subjects effects of various factors and covariants were analyzed using repeated measures ANCOVA. Results: One hundred patients were included with an age range of 15–83 years (mean age of 60.1 ± 13.1 years). Improvement was detected on UWSF measurements (p = 0.031, F = 3.83), but not on SWSF measurements (p = 0.165, F = 1.85). The between-subjects effects on UWSF measurements were statistically significant for sex (p = 0.003, F = 9.526) and salivary gland manipulators use (p < 0.001, F = 15.107) and for the interaction between sex and salivary gland manipulators use (p- = 0.002, F = 9.709). Results of long-term follow-up for 10.87 ± 11.79 months after the SI procedure demonstrated sustained improvement in UWSF measurements (p = 0.011, F = 4.91). Conclusions: The combination of IG followed by SI increases UWSF salivary secretion in SGSD patients for a relatively extended duration.