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Summary
Surgical intervention significantly reduced drooling in children with perinatal brain damage. Procedures like tympanic neurectomies and gland excision improved salivary control without complications.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Excessive drooling (sialorrhea) is a common and socially debilitating symptom in children with neurological impairments.
- Existing treatments for sialorrhea include conservative measures and surgical interventions targeting salivary production or ductal anatomy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a combined surgical approach for managing severe drooling in children with perinatal brain damage.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen pediatric patients (aged 5-9 years) with drooling due to perinatal brain damage underwent bilateral tympanic neurectomies, unilateral chorda tympani nerve section, and contralateral submandibular gland excision.
- Salivary flow reduction and improvement in drooling were assessed post-operatively.
Main Results:
- All 19 patients experienced a significant reduction in salivary flow.
- A marked improvement in the problem of excessive drooling was observed in all treated patients.
- No post-operative complications were reported.
Conclusions:
- The combined surgical technique is effective in reducing salivary production and improving drooling in children with neurological deficits.
- This surgical approach offers a safe and beneficial treatment option for managing sialorrhea in this patient population.