Drooling: analysis and evaluation of 31 children who underwent bilateral submandibular gland excision and parotid duct ligation.

AIM

To evaluate the safety of bilateral submandibular gland excision and parotid duct ligation in order to control drooling in children; to assess its long-term efficacy and complications.

STUDY DESIGN

longitudinal cohort.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-one children aged 6 to 13 years (7.6 years old in average), with multiple neurological disabilities were submitted to a bilateral submandibular gland excision with parotid duct ligation in order to control ptyalism between December 1999 and December 2005, mean follow up of 36 months.

RESULTS

According to Wilkies success criteria, 87% of children had excellent or good results and insignificant morbidity was insignificant; with temporary parotid edema as the major complication.

CONCLUSION

Bilateral submandibular gland excision with parotid duct ligation were safe to be performed in children, with 87% of success in drooling control.