Use of a novel tongue retractor for intraoral removal of proximal/hilar submandibular gland stone

Abstract Objective Intraoral removal of proximal/hilar or intraglandular stones is technically difficult, because the surgical field is limited. However, intraoral removal of deep submandibular gland stones has several advantages over submandibular sialoadenectomy, including shorter operation time and better gland function. To overcome the technical difficulties associated with intraoral removal of deep submandibular gland stones, we designed a novel tongue retractor and here describe its use. Methods The tongue retractor for the intraoral removal of proximal/hilar submandibular gland stones has a wing on each side for the retraction of soft tissues. After careful dissection along Wharton’s duct to the hilum of the submandibular gland, we used the new tongue retractor. Results The new tongue retractor enables the lingual soft tissues to be retracted easily and it maintains a better surgical field, compared with standard tongue retractors. For hilar/intraglandular stones in the medial portion of the submandibular gland, after dissection of the medial side of the gland, the newly designed tongue retractor provided a good surgical field for easy and reliable stone removal. Conclusion This novel tongue retractor offers a better surgical field and shorter operation time for intraoral stone removal than standard tongue retractors.