Although calculi in the parotid salivary gland are not common, the variability in their mode of presentation and their situation in the gland or its main ducts pose problems in management. They may be single or multiple and associated with sialadenitis or sialectasis. A review of 25 operations in 23 patients treated personally over the last 20 years has been undertaken with a view to establishing guide lines in the treatment of this condition.