Microvascular submandibular gland transfer for the management of xerophthalmia; an experimental study.

Free submandibular salivary gland transfer was investigated as a method of treatment for xerophthalmia. Xerophthalmia was created in rabbits by surgical removal of the lacrimal gland and the incidence of corneal ulceration was seen to correlate with the decrease in tear secretion. Microvascular transfer of the submandibular salivary gland to drain saliva into the conjunctival fornix prevented the development of corneal ulceration in 63% of the cases.