Disease Overview：Sialolithiasis（SL）
Sialolithiasis is the medical term for salivary gland stones — small, hard mineral deposits that form inside the salivary ducts or glands, most commonly in the submandibular gland. These stones can block saliva flow, causing swelling, pain, and recurrent infections — especially during meals. Symptoms often come and go, but untreated cases may lead to chronic inflammation or abscess formation. International patients sometimes delay seeking care because symptoms mimic dental pain or minor oral infections. That’s where China stands out: many partner hospitals have dedicated oral and maxillofacial surgery departments with decades of experience managing sialolithiasis using sialendoscopy, lithotripsy, and minimally invasive surgical techniques. These departments routinely handle stone removal across all complexity levels — from simple manual expression in outpatient settings to complex intraoral or transcutaneous procedures. Treatment pathways are standardized, yet personalized per imaging findings (like CBCT or ultrasound) and clinical presentation. Costs remain significantly lower than in the US or UK — without compromising access to trained specialists or modern diagnostic tools. Language support, streamlined appointment booking, and post-procedure follow-up coordination are available through our platform. Patients often combine treatment with short stays in cities like Beijing or Shanghai. Really affordable. Here's why: no hidden fees, transparent quoting, and no long waitlists at partner centers. Exact cost depends on the hospital quote. Recovery timelines vary — some return home within days; others need local observation for a week or two.
Medical Treatment Guide
Treatment Options & Itemized Cost Breakdown for Sialolithiasis (Salivary Duct Stones)
Non-Surgical / Conservative Management
*Indicated for small, distal stones (<3 mm), mild symptoms, or patients unfit for surgery.*
- •Hydration & Sialogogues: Oral hydration + sour candy/lemon drops (¥0–¥5 / USD 0.70–0.70)
- •Manual Expression + Warm Compresses: Performed by oral surgeon during outpatient visit (¥120 / USD 17)
- •NSAIDs + Antibiotics (if infection present): Ibuprofen (¥15–¥30 / USD 2–4); Amoxicillin-clavulanate (7-day course, ¥45–¥80 / USD 6–11)
- •Diagnostic Imaging (mandatory baseline):
- Sialo-MRI (if stone radiolucent): ¥850–¥1,200 / USD 120–170 - Ultrasound (first-line imaging): ¥220–¥300 / USD 31–42
Surgical / Interventional Procedures
*Indicated for stones >3 mm, recurrent sialadenitis, or failed conservative therapy.*
- •Sialendoscopy-Guided Stone Removal (first-line surgical option):
- Procedure fee: ¥4,200–¥6,800 / USD 590–950 - Pre-op: CBC, coagulation panel (¥160 / USD 22), ECG (¥80 / USD 11), local anesthesia consult (¥100 / USD 14)
- •Transoral Duct Incision & Stone Extraction:
- Procedure fee: ¥2,800–¥4,500 / USD 390–630 - Pre-op labs identical to sialendoscopy
- •Submandibular Gland Excision:
- Procedure fee: ¥8,500–¥12,000 / USD 1,190–1,680 - Pre-op: Enhanced imaging (sialo-MRI + CT sialography, ¥1,400–¥1,900 / USD 195–265), pulmonary function test if >65 yrs (¥260 / USD 36)
Special / Complex Condition Management
- •Recurrent Multiglandular Sialolithiasis: Requires sialendoscopy + intraoperative lithotripsy (¥1,800 add-on / USD 250)
- •Stones in Ectopic Ducts or Post-Radiation Fibrosis: Combined sialendoscopy + mini-incision approach (¥7,200–¥9,500 / USD 1,010–1,330)
- •Pediatric Cases (<12 yrs): Mandatory pediatric anesthesiology consult (¥600 / USD 84); procedure fees 15% higher across modalities
Quick Selection Guide
- •Young adult (<40), single small stone, budget <USD 200: Start with ultrasound + hydration + manual expression (Total: USD 75–100)
- •Middle-aged, recurrent pain, stone 4–6 mm: Sialendoscopy (Total pre-op + procedure: USD 750–1,100)
- •Elderly (>75), comorbid COPD/diabetes, large stone + abscess: Transoral extraction + IV antibiotics (Total: USD 550–800; avoids general anesthesia)
- •Chronic bilateral stones, failed prior interventions: Submandibular gland excision (Total: USD 1,400–1,950, including advanced imaging and specialist consults)
Pricing & Service Differences: International / VIP Dept vs. Regular Clinic
International Medical Services (IMS / VIP Departments) at Grade-3A public hospitals and private international clinics operate under self-regulated VIP fee schedules. Fees are higher than standard public clinics (which are subsidized solely for domestic citizens and do not accept overseas insurances). In exchange, international patients receive 6 exclusive medical privileges:
Recommended Hospitals
Explore selected Grade 3A public hospitals in China with rich clinical experience for this condition:
🌴 Recommended Sialolithiasis Medical Vacation Packages
Curated transparent all-inclusive packages combining Sialolithiasis treatment with China top medical destinations:
