{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.030252100840336135, 'fraction_numerical': 0.019327731092436976, 'mean_word_length': 5.170984455958549, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 1, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
Outcome and relative cost of transoral removal of submandibular calculi

Abstract Objective: To examine the outcomes and treatment cost of transoral removal of submandibular calculi, and to compare the outcomes and costs of other reported techniques. Method: Retrospective review of 60 consecutive patients undergoing transoral removal of submandibular calculi. All clinical, operative, post-operative and follow-up data were collated and outcomes analysed. Results: A total of 61 submandibular glands were treated by the transoral approach. Patients with multiple stones (p = 0.034) and stones in the proximal submandibular duct (p = 0.0028) were at greater risk of requiring submandibular gland excision, compared with patients with single stones and stones in the distal duct, respectively. There was a significant difference between the gland preservation rate during the first versus the second half of the study (p = 0.028). Larger calculi were significantly more likely to be seen in the proximal duct (p < 0.001). The mean operating time (28 minutes) and length of hospital stay for transoral removal of submandibular calculi was much less than those for other treatment techniques.