The sour candy myth: why it’s not always the right Rx for salivary gland obstruction. In this episode, Dr. Wais Rahmati, a board-certified otolaryngologist at Mass Eye and Ear and Harvard Medical School, discusses the development of a comprehensive salivary gland center and the focus on office-based sialendoscopy with host Dr. Ashley Agan.

---

SYNPOSIS

The doctors explore the benefits of incorporating salivary endoscopy in the office setting, including minimally invasive and gland-sparing approaches to treat obstructive salivary gland diseases. Dr. Rahmati shares the criteria for patient selection, techniques in the procedure, and post-operative care. They also touch upon the challenges and strategies for reimbursement and the significance of tracking codes to eventually establish dedicated CPT codes for sialendoscopy.

---

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction
02:40 - History and Evolution of Office-Based Endoscopy
05:32 - Understanding Obstructive Salivary Gland Disease
09:36 - Patient Selection and Office-Based Procedures
14:45 -Imaging and Diagnostic Approaches
20:50 - Office Setup and Procedure Details
30:38 - Injecting Mucosa for Better Access
31:10 - Using Sour Candy to Stimulate Saliva
32:29 - Dilation and Anesthesia Techniques
37:05 - Handling Stones and Stents
40:44 - Treating Stenosis in the Office
47:16 - Post-Procedure Care and Instructions
49:42 - Billing and Reimbursement Challenges
54:43 - Future of Salivary Gland Endoscopy

---

RESOURCES

Wais Rahmati MD:
https://doctors.masseyeandear.org/details/447/rahmatullah-wais_rahmati-rahmati-otolaryngology-head_and_neck_surgery-boston