There is increasing evidence to show that the submandibular gland regains function after stone removal and sialoadenectomy may not be the treatment of choice for proximal calculi. A technique of hilar stone removal is described with results and morbidity reported in a series of 55 patients. Stones were retrieved in 54 patients (98%) but four glands (8%) were subsequently removed due to recurrent obstruction. There were no complications related to the procedure (nerve injury, bleeding, infection or scarring) and the morbidity was less than reported for sialoadenectomy.