KUMJ | VOL. 21 | NO. 2 | ISSUE 82 | APRIL - JUNE, 2023
Intraglandular Foreign Body - Unusual Aetiology of Submandibular Gland Sialadenitis
KC AK, Shrestha BL, Bhattarai A
Abstract: Obstructive sialadenitis of submandibular gland is commonly due to sialoliths and
strictures in the Wharton’s duct. Other endogenous pathologies include mucous
plugs and polyps. Foreign bodies of Wharton’s duct and submandibular gland
are rare. Retrograde migration of foreign bodies via ductal orifice, traversing the
ductal system to its final intraglandular location is an even rare entity. These often
present with painful swelling of the gland and at times with a purulent sialitis.
Diagnostic modalities include plain radiography, ultrasonography, sialography,
as well as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Treatment
includes antibiotics, incision and drainage of abscess, and removal of foreign body
either surgically (intra-oral approach or sialadenectomy) or more recently via
sialoendoscopy. This is a case report of 30 years male with accidental cannulation
of Wharton’s duct with grass that eventually got lodged in the deep lobe of the
gland, and was managed with sialadenectomy.
Keyword : Foreign body, Submandibular gland, Wharton’s duct