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Postoperative technetium scanning in patients with submandibular duct diversion
A J Hotaling1, D N Madgy, L R Kuhns
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, Ill 60153.
Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|December 1, 1992
Summary
Submandibular duct diversion for pediatric sialorrhea can preserve long-term submandibular gland function. Bilateral diversion in children with cerebral palsy showed at least one gland maintained function post-surgery.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Submandibular duct diversion is a surgical approach for managing refractory pediatric sialorrhea.
- The procedure reroutes Wharton's ducts to decrease saliva pooling.
- Concerns exist regarding potential duct fibrosis, stricture, and glandular atrophy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term glandular function after bilateral submandibular duct diversion in children with cerebral palsy.
Main Methods:
- Technetium scanning was used to assess submandibular gland function.
- Six pediatric patients with cerebral palsy underwent bilateral submandibular duct diversion.
- Glandular function was evaluated at a mean of 43 months post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Four out of six patients demonstrated normal bilateral submandibular gland function.
- Two patients exhibited unilateral gland non-function but maintained contralateral gland function.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral submandibular duct diversion appears to maintain long-term function in at least one submandibular gland.
- This suggests the procedure may not lead to complete, irreversible glandular loss.