An in vivo study was performed to evaluate the use of pulsed-dye laser beam for the fragmentation of salivary calculus. In accordance with the absorption and reflection spectra of sections of salivary stones, optimal fragmentation was achieved with a pulsed-dye laser with a pulse width of 1.4 μm and tuned to a wavelength of 504 nm. Further studies on particle size were conducted, and a new “sialoendoscope” technique was developed. Fifteen patients with sialolithiasis of the submandibular gland were treated. Under continuous endoscopic monitoring laser-induced shock wave lithotripsy was performed. In six patients complete fragmentation and removal of the salivary stones was achieved and in another patient 50 per cent fragmentation was sufficient to restore salivary flow. Laser lithotripsy of salivary stones with endoscopic monitoring permits treatment on an outpatient basis with little inconvenience to the patient, and this is a breakthrough in otolaryngology.
