The surgical treatment of drooling in Leicester: 12 years experience

The experience of the surgical treatment of drooling in the 12-year period 1985-1997 has been retrospectively reviewed. Details of 71 out of a total of 79 patients were available. Of these, 69% underwent bilateral submandibular duct diversion and unilateral parotid duct ligation. Excellent or good control of drooling was obtained in 65 patients (92%) which compares favourably with other series. A ranula occurred in 10% and settled spontaneously. Transient airway obstruction occurred in one patient.