Salivary fistula is caused by the leakage of saliva due to injury or surgical trauma to the salivary glands or their ducts. Clinically, it manifests as a small fistula on the facial skin, with occasional clear fluid discharge. The primary cause of this condition is injury, most commonly occurring in the parotid gland or its duct. Surgical treatment has a high cure rate. Proper debridement and suturing of the injured salivary gland area are crucial for preventing this condition.

bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations

1. Small punctate fistula openings can be seen on the skin corresponding to the gland or duct area;

2. Transparent fluid discharge, which increases during eating.

﹝Auxiliary Examination﹞

1. For smaller glandular fistulas, the examination items are mainly limited to "A";

2. For larger glandular fistulas or duct fistulas, the examination items may include "A" and "B".

bubble_chart Diagnosis

1. History of trauma or surgical operation;

2. Small fistula opening on facial skin with saliva discharge, related to eating;

3. Methylene blue injected into the duct can overflow from the fistula opening.

bubble_chart Treatment Measures

1. Anticholinergic drugs and pressure bandaging;

2. Surgical treatment (see salivary fistula repair for details).

3. For mild cases of glandular fistula, oral atropine and pressure bandaging are the main treatments;

4. For ordinary cases of glandular fistula, oral atropine and fistula closure yield better results;

5. Ductal fistula can be surgically repaired, while chronic salivary fistulas often require salivary gland surgery.

6. Cases with secondary infections should be treated with antibiotics and symptomatic comprehensive therapy.

1. Cure: Symptoms and signs disappear, and the fistula closes.

2. Improvement: Symptoms and signs are alleviated, and the fistula opening shrinks.

3. No recovery: Symptoms and signs do not improve, and the fistula persists. {|102|}

bubble_chart Prevention

The key to preventing this disease is to pay attention to labor protection and traffic safety to avoid facial trauma. In cases of facial injuries, especially in the salivary gland area, thorough debridement and suturing can prevent the occurrence of this disease. After surgery for salivary fistula, patients must strictly avoid acidic foods.