MercyAscot Salivary Gland Clinic

The MercyAscot Head and Neck Service provides a dedicated diagnostic programme for patients with salivary gland disorders. We will accurately diagnose patients’ salivary gland disorders, arrange further specialist imaging, and initiate management based on state-of-the-art surgical techniques.

Your one-stop Salivary Gland Clinic

We are committed to providing a seamless approach to:

  • Assessment and management
  • Eliminating delays in diagnosis
  • Reducing the need for multiple appointments

We are also committed to close communication with GPs/family doctor to help guide patients through their treatment and rehabilitation as efficiently as possible.

Our multi-disciplinary team has expertise in the assessment, diagnosis and management of patients with salivary gland disorders and forms part of the MercyAscot Head and Neck Service. The team works together to deliver the best possible care for your patients.

Your multi-disciplinary team of salivary gland specialists

The Salivary Gland Clinic is led by Mr Kevin Smith, Head & Neck surgeon and Dr Muammar Abu-Serriah, Oral, Maxillofacial Head & Neck surgeon with expertise in minimally invasive salivary gland surgery.

View Kevin's profile        View Muammar's profile

What is a sialoendoscopy?

Sialoendoscopy is a minimally-invasive technique using precision instruments to navigate the salivary ducts and deal with all causes of salivary obstruction. Performed as a day-stay procedure, sialoendoscopy permits glandular preservation in 80-85% of patients with stones. The procedure is shown to significantly improve the quality of life in patients with auto-immune or RAI-induced sialadenitis (salivary gland infection).

Obstructive sialadenitis (salivary gland infection) is most commonly due to salivary stones. Traditional surgery has been limited to open or transoral (through the mouth) stone extraction, or removal of the affected gland. This has the potential for nerve injuries, persisting symptoms, and/or poor cosmesis.

Advantages of a sialoendoscopy

  • Day-stay procedure
  • Gland preservation
  • No external scars
  • Minimal risk to nerves

Patient benefits

- Screening ultrasound scan

- Coordination of advanced imaging with high-resolution computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sialography

- Clinical assessment, explanation of imaging results and treatment planning

- Access to state-of-the-art surgical techniques

When to ask your GP/family doctor for a referral to our Salivary Gland Clinic

  • Suspected parotid or submandibular mass (suspected salivary gland mass)
  • Recurrent salivary gland swelling and pain
  • Periprandial facial discomfort (pain while eating)
  • Oral dryness
  • Sjogren’s Syndrome (dry eyes and dry mouth)
  • Radio-iodine (RAI) induced sialadenitis (swelling of salivary gland resulting from high doses of radation treatment)

If you are worried about any symptoms, talk to your GP or family doctor and ask for a referral to the MercyAscot Head and Neck Service.