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Sialolithiasis is the main cause of unilateral diffuse parotid or submandibular gland swell-ing. Its incidence has been poorly studied but seems to be much higher than the classic data published by Rauch of 1 case per 300000 people per year. 1 In a recent study, based on hospital admission figures in England, Escudier and McGurk2 estimated this incidence to be between 1 per 15000 and 1 per 30000. Personal observations of an incidence between 1 per 10000 and 1 per 20000 seem to confirm these results (FM and PD, unpublished data, 2002). Sialolithiasis results in a mechanical obstruction of the salivary duct, causing repetitive swelling during meals, which can remain transitory or be complicated by bacterial infections. 3, 4 Traditionally, recurring episodes necessitate treatment by open surgery, and sialolithiasis still represents the most frequent reason for submandibular gland resection. 5, 6 Interestingly …