Long-term efficacy of intra-oral surgery for sialorrhea

To investigate the efficacy and quality of life impact of intra-oral surgery for sialorrhea and to provide long-term outcome measures.

A retrospective review and telephone survey of patients seen in a multi-disciplinary saliva control clinic who underwent surgery between 1999 and 2003.

Sixteen of 31 patients underwent 4-duct ligation, 12 patients underwent submandibular gland duct ligation, and three patients underwent a 3-duct ligation procedure. The mean presurgical drooling score (maximum 10) was 9.5, 8.8, and 9, respectively. Recurrence was seen in 68% of patients at a mean of four months. Additional surgery was required in five patients. Phone survey was accomplished in 10 patients. Two of 10 caregivers reported sustained improvement of sialorrhea at two and three years.

Intra-oral surgery provides minimal long-term control of sialorrhea. Additional medical and surgical therapy was needed in a significant portion of patients in this long-term review.