Clinical efficacy of botulinum toxin in salivary duct stenosis: A preliminary study of six cases.

[INTRODUCTION] Salivary duct stenosis is the second most common cause of obstructive pathology after lithiases, and it primarily affects the parotid gland. Salivary duct stenosis is treated with drug therapy and/or sialendoscopy. If unsuccessful, surgical removal of the gland is indicated, but it is associated with a high risk of facial morbidity. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an alternate treatment, botulinum toxin, in salivary duct stenosis.

[MATERIAL AND METHODS] In a preliminary retrospective study from January 2011 to December 2014, six patients with parotid duct stenosis received 50IU of botulinum toxin in three injections in the parotid gland. The frequency of relapses and the intensity of pain and swelling were recorded before and after treatment. The onset of action and duration of efficacy were also assessed.

[RESULTS] Four of six patients showed a decrease in the frequency of swelling episodes and greater pain relief during the first year of treatment, but to a lesser extent after 2years. The mean duration of efficacy was 3.5months with an interval between two injections of 5.7months. Only one parotidectomy had to be performed. No major side effects were observed, with only one case of local infection at the injection site.

[CONCLUSION] Botulinum toxin appears to be a viable alternative in treating salivary duct stenosis before resorting to surgical gland removal.