Report by: Bethan Fon Jones, Consultant ENT Surgeon, Wirral University Teaching Hospital
With over 100 speakers from 42 different countries, the 2nd International Sialendsocopy Conference was held in association with the 10th Emirates Otorhinolaryngology Audiology and Communication Disorders Congress; a three day conference, proudly opened by the father of sialendoscopy and the International Sialendoscopy Society President, Professor Francis Marchal, from Geneva.
Surgeons from across the world shared their experiences; lessons and skills they learnt from setting up a new service, to further development of combined approaches to both the submandibular and parotid glands. Experienced radiologists reviewed different imaging modalities for assessing salivary stones and stenosis, and several interesting and challenging cases were discussed. Indeed, I was fortunate to present one of my own cases of ‘Recurrent parotid abscess associated with ductal stenosis’ in a patient with systemic sclerosis.
The pinnacle of the conference was the ‘Funny video contest’, with five faculty members producing videos of excellent quality and substance. The deserved winner was Gaga Kuliashvili from Georgia who entertained us with his experience of his first solo procedure. The friendly atmosphere of the conference, and indeed the iSAL Society, carried into the evening- a boat trip along the Dubai Creek with excellent local cuisine and entertainment.
Not only has this been a fantastic opportunity to travel and experience a conference in Dubai, learn from world experts in the growing field of sialendoscopy, but also it has created strong foundations for friendships for years to come. To quote Professor Marchal “Sialendoscopy is all about friendship within a big family”.
