The aim of this series of articles is to introduce new minimally invasive surgical techniques in otolaryngology. The first article in the series discussed the medico-legal aspects of introducing a new surgical technique and the steps needed to properly do so to protect patients' best interests. Subsequent articles have discussed the benefits and issues surrounding relatively new techniques, including minimally invasive thyroid surgery. The current article elaborates on a minimally invasive technique that was first described in 1990 by Katz, who described his experience with flexible endoscopy of the salivary gland ducts.1 Sialendoscopy is an adaptation of a technique used for removal of ureteric calculi in urology and which uses en-doscopes for both the diagnosis and treatment of salivary gland obstruction. Through an accumulation of experience and investment, there has been gradual development of high quality semi-rigid sialendoscopes and other instruments that result in a safe and successful treatment for major salivary gland duct obstruction both for sialoli-thiasis and strictures.
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