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Summary
Cutting the chorda tympani nerve in patients with cerebral palsy reduced drooling by decreasing saliva production. This surgical treatment showed significant improvements in most patients, with no observed complications.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurosurgery
- Pediatric Neurology
Background:
- Drooling presents significant care challenges for patients with cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities.
- Existing medical and surgical interventions for drooling have varied efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of bilateral chorda tympani nerve section in reducing saliva production and alleviating drooling in disabled patients.
Main Methods:
- Bilateral chorda tympani section was performed on 17 disabled patients to reduce salivary output from submandibular and sublingual glands.
- Postoperative observation of 15 patients over 2-4 years.
- Salivary gland function assessed using Tc-99m scintigraphy before and after surgery in 2 patients.
Main Results:
- Five patients were cured, two showed considerable improvement, and seven had partial improvement in drooling.
- Reduced salivation, potentially linked to altered taste sensation on the anterior tongue, was observed.
- Tc-99m scintigraphy confirmed reduced salivary gland function post-surgery.
- No complications were reported after the surgical procedure.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral chorda tympani section is an effective surgical option for managing severe drooling in select disabled patients.
- The procedure leads to a significant reduction in saliva production and improvement in patient condition.
- The surgery is associated with a favorable safety profile.