The technique of diagnositic sialendoscopy was first described in the early 90s. Nowadays we use high resolution endoscopy with an external diameter of just over one millimetre. After carefully dilating the ducts on the oral mucosa, it can be easily inserted into the ductal system.

The investigation is generally carried out with a local anaesthetic and takes between 15 and 60 minutes. The rinsing fluid then removes salivary residues and sediments from the ductal system. This in itself can set the path for healing inflammations.

Recurrent inflammation of the parotid gland in children (juvenile recurrent parotitis) responds particularly well to lavage of the ductal system with the sialendoscope. In over 90% of children there are no further outbreaks of the inflammation after this treatment.