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Dr. Varun Rai, an ENT and Head & Neck Surgeon at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in New Delhi, prioritizes patient comfort while delivering precise diagnoses for conditions such as obstructive sialadenitis. This condition frequently manifests as painful gland swelling that worsens during meals, usually resulting from stones or ductal strictures impeding saliva flow.

The process typically starts with high-resolution ultrasound, a non-invasive, radiation-free scan that produces real-time images to detect stones, abscesses, or inflammation swiftly and without discomfort.

When additional detail is required, MRI sialography provides dye-free, high-resolution imaging of glands and ducts, identifying blockages or abnormalities without needles or X-rays.

The most advanced option is diagnostic sialendoscopy, involving insertion of a micro-endoscope through the duct's natural opening. This technique enables direct visualization of the obstruction—whether a stone or narrowing—and often facilitates concurrent treatment, delivering immediate relief for many patients upon stone removal.

Dr. Rai tailors the choice of modality to individual symptoms, medical history, and clinical examination, ensuring maximum accuracy with minimal invasiveness. For those experiencing recurrent swelling or pain, prompt evaluation can prevent complications—patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation for personalized assessment.

Recurrent swelling in the jaw or cheek, particularly around mealtimes, often indicates salivary duct stones leading to obstructive sialadenitis. Historically, management involved open surgery or gland excision, but sialendoscopy has transformed outcomes by preserving glands and eliminating incisions.

Having trained under pioneers such as Dr. Francis Marchal in Switzerland and completed advanced fellowships in Milan, Dr. Varun Rai directs one of India's leading sialendoscopy centers. With over a decade of specialized ENT experience, he routinely manages complex cases using ultra-fine endoscopes for combined diagnosis and treatment in a single session under local anesthesia or mild sedation.

In therapeutic sialendoscopy, ducts are accessed naturally to remove or fragment stones—even those deeply embedded—with micro-instruments or laser, allowing same-day discharge.

Accurate planning relies on integrated imaging: ultrasound for initial dynamic evaluation, CT for radiolucent or concealed stones, and MRI sialography for non-calcified obstructions or chronic inflammation.

Patients frequently highlight Dr. Rai's clear explanations, meticulous care, and rapid recovery with glands preserved and symptoms alleviated. This approach minimizes surgical risks while providing lasting solutions.

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Ongoing tightness, swelling, or meal-associated discomfort in the salivary glands may arise from ductal strictures—narrowings triggered by inflammation, prior infections, autoimmune factors, or repeated stone impaction. Without intervention, these can progress to recurrent infections and permanent gland damage.

Dr. Varun Rai's sialendoscopy expertise, gained from training with global leaders in Geneva and Milan, has established his center as a key referral site for such disorders. Treatments restore saliva flow without scars or gland loss.

Initial assessment incorporates ultrasound and MRI sialography to delineate ductal anatomy and precisely locate narrowings non-invasively.

Interventional sialendoscopy provides confirmatory direct views and enables immediate dilation using balloons or specialized instruments. Temporary stents are placed when necessary to maintain patency during healing.

Conducted on a daycare basis, the procedure resolves pain and swelling quickly with no external marks. Dr. Rai's patient-centered philosophy ensures thorough education and customized strategies for straightforward or intricate presentations.

Individuals with unexplained chronic infections or gland issues can achieve relief through this low-risk method—appointments are recommended for expert review.

Persistent dry mouth, jaw pain, or gland swelling may signal autoimmune sialadenitis, often linked to Sjögren's syndrome, where the immune system targets salivary tissue. In addition to systemic therapies, Dr. Varun Rai provides specialized, gland-sparing interventions to alleviate inflammation and enhance function.

Leveraging international training in sialendoscopy, his comprehensive protocol integrates endoscopy, ultrasound-guided procedures, and Botox injections to control symptoms effectively without extensive surgery.

During sialendoscopy for autoimmune conditions, ducts are examined directly, followed by lavage with saline or steroids to clear debris and diminish swelling—frequently improving saliva production in one procedure.

Ultrasound offers real-time gland evaluation; guided core needle biopsies, when indicated, confirm autoimmune pathology or exclude malignancies with minimal patient burden.

For refractory cases, ultrasound-guided Botox injections moderate glandular activity, reducing painful flares even amid ongoing medical management.

This cohesive, minimally invasive framework optimizes oral health and daily comfort within a single facility. Patients appreciate Dr. Rai's empathetic guidance and durable improvements after prolonged symptom challenges.

Those with Sjögren's syndrome or unrelenting inflammation benefit from these evidence-based options—consultations are available to explore tailored care.

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