Drooling: analysis and evaluation of 31 children who underwent bilateral submandibular gland excision and parotid duct ligation

SUMMARY: Aim: To evaluate the safety of bilateral submandibular gland excision and parotid duct ligation in order to control drooling in children; to assess its long-term efficacy and complications. STUDY DESIGN: longitudinal cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-one children aged 6 to 13 years (7.6 years old in average), with multiple neurological disabilities were submitted to a bilateral submandibular gland excision with parotid duct ligation in order to control ptyalism between December 1999 and December 2005, mean follow up of 36 months. RESULTS: According to Wilkie's success criteria, 87% of children had excellent or good results and insignificant morbidity was insignificant; with temporary parotid edema as the major complication. CONCLUSION: Bilateral submandibular gland excision with parotid duct ligation were safe to be performed in children, with 87% of success in drooling control.