Related Experiment Videos
Tympanic neurectomy and chorda tympanectomy for the control of drooling
Abstract:
Seventeen patients suffered from drooling that either occurred as a sequelae of extensive head and neck cancer resections or was due to neurological disorders. In these patients, a tympanic neurectomy and/or chorda tympanectomy was performed in an attempt to eliminate the drooling. The conditions in five of 12 (41%) patients with head and neck cancer were improved following such surgery. Two of four children with cerebral palsy initially had a good result. However, the long-term follow-up of the patients demonstrated that the drooling recurred. An additional patient suffering from bulbar weakness and drooling owing to a cerevrobascular accident had less problems with salivary secretions. The results were relatively disappointing; there are several possible explanations for this.
Insights
Surgical intervention for persistent drooling, including tympanic neurectomy, showed limited long-term success in head and neck cancer patients and those with neurological disorders. While some initial improvement was observed, drooling often recurred, indicating disappointing outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Neurology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Persistent drooling, a challenging condition, significantly impacts quality of life.
- Causes include sequelae of head and neck cancer resections and neurological disorders like cerebral palsy and cerebrovascular accidents.
- Current management strategies often fall short, necessitating exploration of surgical interventions.
Observation:
- Seventeen patients with severe drooling underwent tympanic neurectomy and/or chorda tympanectomy.
- The cohort included patients with head and neck cancer and those with neurological conditions.
- Surgical procedures aimed to reduce salivary secretions and alleviate drooling.
Findings:
- A 41% improvement rate was noted in 12 head and neck cancer patients post-surgery.
- Two of four children with cerebral palsy experienced initial positive results.
- Long-term follow-up revealed recurrence of drooling in most patients, indicating limited sustained efficacy.
Implications:
- Tympanic neurectomy and chorda tympanectomy offer only temporary relief for drooling.
- Recurrence suggests underlying mechanisms not fully addressed by these surgical approaches.
- Further research is needed to explore alternative or adjunctive treatments for intractable drooling.