The surgical treatment of drooling. A ten-year review

Abstract

We report a 10-year experience with 123 patients who had the surgical treatment for drooling originally described by Wilkie. All have been followed for at least 1.5 years, and in 86 percent a good or excellent result was obtained. We believe this procedure is indicated for persistent, severe drooling in any patient in whom non-operative methods have failed, and for whom general anesthesia is an acceptable risk. Severe intellectual impairment is not a contraindication, for the care of these patients may be made far easier. Bilateral removal of the submandibular glands is an integral part of the operation on all patients, and should be done at the same time the parotid ducts are rerouted. The complications have been few and most of them respond to secondary procedures.