Submandibular Ductal Fistula

Abstract

The precise etiology and pathogenesis of sialo-oral fistula formation are currently unknown but could be extrapolated from previously described syndromes involving ductal obstruction and inciting damage in other regions of the body. Consideration of submandibular fistula in the differential diagnosis may spare the patient morbidity of redundant invasive procedures.

Early Clinical Mapping of Submandibular Gland Fistula: A Case Report and Systematic Review

“…A total of 18 cases (17 cases from 16 published articles and an illustrative case) were included in the current review (►Tables 1 and 2). [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] The age ranged from 6 to 72 years. The exact numerical age was not mentioned in two cases Clinical symptoms/signs were present in the following frequencies: Discharge from fistula opening (66.7%), swelling/mass in the submandibular region (55.6%), tender/pain over the submandibular region (44.4%), and throat lump (5.6%).…”

“…It is associated with various acquired etiologies, including calculi, foreign body, trauma, neoplasm, sialadenitis, or a congenital process linked to the branchial apparatus. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] It can be an external sialo-cutaneous fistula or an internal sialo-oral fistula. The external opening is either cutaneous or subcutaneous.…”

“…Similarly, an internal fistula opening is either mucosal or submucosal. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Clinical manifestation varies with the site of fistula opening and associated etiology. An external fistula mostly presents with serous/mucoid/mucopurulent discharge from the opening, which can sometimes be related to food.…”

“…Various authors have advocated different forms of management varying from observation and conservative management to surgical intervention, including either gland-preserving surgery or excision of the gland with fistulae tract. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] Final Comments…”

“…Various etiologies have been attributed to SGF, including both congenital and acquired. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18] The clinical manifestation of SGF varies and is influenced by the etiology of the disease, making it tough for clinicians to diagnose it clini-cally. Furthermore, the site of the fistula opening has been shown to have an effect on the clinical features.…”