Get Lasting Relief from Salivary Gland Pain, Swelling & Blockages
- Salivary gland stones (Sialolithiasis)
- Salivary tumours
- Salivary duct strictures
- Chronic sialadenitis
- Other major salivary gland disorders
Mr. Konstantinos Karavidas
Consultant Head and Neck
Maxillofacial and Oral Surgeon – robotic and facial reconstructive surgeon
Accredited surgeon with a PhD in Maxillofacial Surgery with over 10 years specialised experience
Dual qualified: Medical Doctor (1998) and Doctor of Dentistry (2002)
NHS Multidisciplinary Head and Neck Team Core Member of Beds and Herts Network
Member of European Union of Medical Specialists Fellow of the European Board of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
Painful Swelling Near Your Jaw or Neck? Difficulty Eating or Bad Taste in Your Mouth? It Could Be Your Salivary Glands.
Are you experiencing painful swelling in your neck or near your ears that gets worse every time you eat? That uncomfortable sensation could be blocked salivary glands or salivary stones.
Dr. Konstantinos Karavidas specialises in advanced sialendoscopy, a minimally invasive procedure that provides rapid relief and lasting results without major surgery.
Conditions We Can Help With
Salivary Stones
Hard deposits blocking salivary ducts, causing painful swelling during meals.
Salivary
Duct
Strictures
Narrowed or scarred ducts preventing normal saliva flow and causing discomfort.
Chronic Sialadenitis
Recurring inflammation of salivary glands leading to persistent pain and swelling.
Juvenile Parotitis
/Sialectasia
Recurring parotid gland inflammation in children causing repeated painful swelling episodes.
Salivary Tumours
Both benign and malignant growths requiring expert diagnosis and specialised treatment.
Why Patients Choose Sialendoscopy
- Minimally invasive procedure - No large incisions or external scars required
- Preserves salivary gland function - Maintains natural saliva production unlike traditional surgical removal
- Faster recovery time - Most patients return to normal activities within days, not weeks
- Immediate symptom relief - Many patients experience relief from painful swelling straight away
- High success rates - Excellent outcomes for removing stones and treating strictures
- Lower risk of complications - Reduced chance of nerve damage compared to open surgery
How it Works
Sialendoscopy is a cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedure that allows Dr. Karavidas to diagnose and treat salivary gland problems with remarkable precision.
Using an ultra-thin endoscope—no thicker than a piece of spaghetti—the procedure involves inserting this specialised camera directly into the natural opening of your salivary duct in your mouth. This provides a clear, magnified view inside the salivary ducts, allowing Dr. Karavidas to identify the exact location and cause of blockages, whether they’re stones, strictures, or inflammation.
Once the problem is located, he can often treat it immediately using tiny instruments passed through the endoscope to remove stones, widen narrowed areas, or clear debris—all without making any external incisions. The entire procedure is typically performed under local anaesthetic as an outpatient treatment, meaning you can return home the same day with immediate relief from your symptoms and minimal discomfort.
Meet Mr. Konstantinos Karavidas
Mr Konstantinos Karavidas is an accredited Consultant head and neck surgeon and maxillofacial and oral surgeon – robotic and facial reconstructive surgeon with over 10 years of experience, practising in London and the surrounding areas. He is an expert in oral cancer and salivary gland diseases, with multiple areas of medical expertise, but concentrates primarily on oral cancer, sialendoscopy and tongue tie, as well as robotic surgery, oral surgery and wisdom teeth.
Mr Karavidas studied medicine at the Medical School of University of Ioannina, in Ioannina, Greece, graduating in 1998. Following this, he opted to pursue dentistry at The Dental School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece and was awarded a Doctor of Dentistry in 2002.
What Our Patients Say
I’ve been seeing Mr Karavidas since Feb 25 and have had several consultations and 2 surgical procedures at Cobham Clinic. He is extremely thorough and makes sure you understand every step of what’s happening with any diagnosis and procedure. Fantastic service.
Clear explanations, very reassuring throughout consultations and proceedure. Mr Karavidas made me feel at ease, his professionalism immediately evident. Highly recommended.
I was beyond impressed by Mr Karavidas. He took the time to listen to all my concerns, reassured me & gave the very best advice. He was friendly and put me at complete ease. I was very well taken care of and cannot thank him enough. I highly recommend!
Two lower wisdom teeth removal. Couldn’t fault the service. Excellent and extremely responsible after care from Mr Karavidas.
My experience with Dr Karavidas and his team was exceptional. I felt extremely cared for and informed throughout and could not have asked for more. To top it off we had a fully successful outcome after an oral procedure which means I can eat again! Thank you so much.
I’ve been seeing Mr Karavidas since Feb 25 and have had several consultations and 2 surgical procedures at Cobham Clinic. He is extremely thorough and makes sure you understand every step of what’s happening with any diagnosis and procedure. Fantastic service.
Clear explanations, very reassuring throughout consultations and proceedure. Mr Karavidas made me feel at ease, his professionalism immediately evident. Highly recommended.
I was beyond impressed by Mr Karavidas. He took the time to listen to all my concerns, reassured me & gave the very best advice. He was friendly and put me at complete ease. I was very well taken care of and cannot thank him enough. I highly recommend!
Two lower wisdom teeth removal. Couldn’t fault the service. Excellent and extremely responsible after care from Mr Karavidas.
My experience with Dr Karavidas and his team was exceptional. I felt extremely cared for and informed throughout and could not have asked for more. To top it off we had a fully successful outcome after an oral procedure which means I can eat again! Thank you so much.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the sialendoscopy procedure take?
The procedure typically takes 30-90 minutes depending on complexity. Most treatments are performed as day cases under local or general anaesthetic, allowing you to return home the same day.
What are the benefits compared to traditional surgery?
Sialendoscopy offers no external scarring, faster recovery (days vs weeks), preserved gland function, minimal post-operative pain, and higher success rates. Unlike traditional surgery, it doesn’t require removing the entire gland.
What can I expect during recovery?
Most patients experience mild swelling for 2-3 days and can return to normal activities within a week. You’ll be advised to stay hydrated, use warm compresses, and may be prescribed antibiotics to prevent infection.
How successful is sialendoscopy treatment?
Sialendoscopy has excellent success rates, with over 85-90% of patients experiencing significant symptom relief. Mr Karavidas’s extensive experience ensures optimal outcomes following the “Get It Right First Time” principle.
Am I a suitable candidate for sialendoscopy?
Most patients with salivary gland blockages are suitable candidates. During your consultation, Mr Karavidas will assess your symptoms, review imaging results, and determine if sialendoscopy is the best treatment option for your specific condition.
Will I need multiple sialendoscopy procedures?
Most patients achieve excellent results with a single procedure. However, complex cases or severe strictures may occasionally require a second intervention. Mr Karavidas will discuss the likelihood of repeat procedures during your consultation based on your specific condition.
Are there any risks or complications with sialendoscopy?
Sialendoscopy is very safe with minimal risks. Rare complications include temporary numbness, infection, or duct perforation. The risk profile is significantly lower than traditional open surgery, making it the preferred first-line treatment for salivary gland disorders.
Our Locations
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