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Video

Head and Neck Surgery

(A520) Characterizing the Accessibility of Sialendoscopy Providers in the United States

Monday, October 13, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Location: OTO EXPO, Posters

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Chandler Curtis, BS

    Medical Student
    Medical University of South Carolina
    Charleston, South Carolina, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • NK

    Nicole Kloosterman, MD

    Medical University of South Carolina, United States

  • EK

    Ethan Kallenberger, MD

    Resident Physician
    Ethan Kallenberger
    Charleston, South Carolina, United States

  • MO

    M. Allison Ogden, MD

    Professor Otolaryngology
    Washington Univ Sch of Med
    Saint Louis, MO, United States

    • Senior Author(s)

  • Alexandra E. Kejner, MD

    Associate Professor
    Medical University of South Carolina Rutledge Tower Annex
    CHARLESTON, South Carolina, United States

Disclosure(s):
Chandler Curtis, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Ethan Kallenberger, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
M. Allison Ogden, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Alexandra E. Kejner, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.


Introduction: Sialendoscopy is an endoscopic procedure used in the treatment of salivary pathologies. Since this service is not uniformly available at otolaryngology practices, it is important for patients to identify where they can access minimally invasive salivary gland care. The purpose of this study is identify information that patients and referring providers can easily access online to determine where they are able to obtain minimally invasive salivary care.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of publicly available online resources of otolaryngology practices was performed. Demographic data of providers practicing sialendoscopy was analyzed with specific focus on gender, training, and geography. Sialendoscopy providers were identified through the inclusion of the terms “sialendoscopy”, “minimally invasive salivary gland procedures”, or “endoscopic salivary gland procedures” on the practice website. The accuracy of online data was not corroborated by direct contact.

Results: A total of 244 sialendoscopy providers were identified. Of known providers, 23.5% are female. Providers are split regarding practice setting, with 52% in the community and 48% at academic institutions. Most providers (55%) completed fellowships, with over one third of providers trained in Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery. The New England region had the lowest density of sialendoscopy providers at 1 per 2.52 million people. The highest density was 1 provider per 1.02 million people in the East South-Central Region.

Conclusions: Our data reveals a concentration of fellowship training in Head and Neck Oncology and Reconstructive Surgery, an equal distribution of academic and community providers, a geographic disparity with fewer providers in New England, and a gender gap among sialendoscopy providers that reflects the overall gender gap in otolaryngology. A limitation of this study is that information collected from website data is not currently corroborated with practices, which is also a challenge to patients seeking information on salivary services and presents an area for future research endeavors.