Transoral Removal of a Gigantiform Salivary Calculus of the Submandibular Gland: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Sialolithiasis refers to the formation of calculi within a salivary gland. Sialolithiasis is the most frequent cause of salivary gland swelling, affecting the major salivary glands - parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands. 1 It accounts for about 50% of all nonneoplastic diseases occurring in the major salivary glands and causing symptoms in about 0.45% of the general population. 2,3 Majority of the sialoliths occur in submandibular gland followed by parotid, sublingual and minor salivary glands respectively. Diagnosis is usually made by characteristic history, physical examination and radiological investigations. Diagnosis can be confirmed by X ray (80% of salivary gland calculi are visible on x-ray), sialogram, sialendoscopy and by ultrasound. 4 In this case report we have highlighted gigantic removal of sialolith measuring approximately 45 mm of submandibular salivary gland mimicking the anatomy of Wharton’s duct, with its silent features and surgical management.