Surgery versus botulinum neurotoxin A to reduce drooling and improve daily life for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities: a randomized controlled trial

AIM: To compare the effect of bilateral submandibular duct ligation and botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT‐A) on drooling severity and its impact on daily life and care in children and adolescents with moderate‐to‐severe drooling. METHOD: This was a randomized, interventional, controlled trial in which 53 children and adolescents (31 males, 22 females, mean age 11y, range 8–22y, SD 2y 10mo) with cerebral palsy (58.5%) or other non‐progressive developmental disorders (41.5%) were randomized to BoNT‐A (n=26) or bilateral submandibular duct ligation (n=27). A parent questionnaire on the severity of drooling in specific positions and daily activities and the impact of drooling on daily life and care was filled out at baseline and 8 and 32 weeks posttreatment. RESULTS: Both BoNT‐A and bilateral submandibular duct ligation had a positive effect on daily care, damage to electronic equipment and/or furniture, social interactions, and self‐esteem. However, bilateral submandibular duct ligation had a significant greater and longer‐lasting short‐ (8wks) and medium‐term (32wks) effect on daily care, reducing damage to electronic devices, and improving social interactions and satisfaction with life in general. INTERPRETATION: This randomized controlled trial confirms reduced drooling by both BoNT‐A and bilateral submandibular duct ligation, but provides new evidence on improved well‐being through a reduction in drooling. Even though there is a greater risk of complications and morbidity after bilateral submandibular duct ligation, compared to BoNT‐A there was a significantly greater and longer‐lasting positive effect on most outcomes. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS: Bilateral botulinum neurotoxin A (BoNT‐A) and submandibular duct ligation had a positive effect on the well‐being of individuals with moderate‐to‐severe drooling. Bilateral submandibular duct ligation had a greater effect on the impact of drooling during daily care than BoNT‐A. Bilateral submandibular duct ligation reduced damage to electronic devices and improved social interactions and satisfaction with life.