Interventional radiology and minimally invasive techniques for the management of obstructive salivary gland disorders: A brief overview

Interventional radiology (IR) is a subspecialty of radiology using minimally invasive image guided procedures for diagnoses and treatment of obstructive salivary gland disorders. IR has evolved from conventional diagnostic radiology over the last 20 years. Literature proves its time tested presence in the medical field but in maxillofacial specialty IR is still in its incipient stage. Of all the proposed applications of IR in oral conditions, its use in the management of the obstructive salivary gland disorders seems to be the most promising as it is conservative and minimally invasive. This review discusses various interventional procedures such as sialography aided stone retrieval using dormia basket, sialoendoscopy, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy, and others.