Long-term effects of submandibular gland excision on drooling in children with neurodevelopmental disorders: A cross-sectional study

Aim: Submandibular gland excision (SMGE) is suitable for the management of drooling in patients with non-progressive neurodisabilities. We aimed to investigate the long-term effects of SMGE.Method: Patients who had SMGE between 2007 and 2018 were included. Main outcomes were a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Drooling Severity (DS), and Drooling Frequency (DF) collected at baseline, 8 weeks, 32 weeks and with a median of 313 weeks after SMGE (long-term). Secondary outcomes were satisfaction with the procedure, Drooling Quotient (DQ) and adverse events (AEs).Results: We included thirty-five patients in the long-term analysis with a mean age of 14.5 years. A baseline VAS score of 80.4 was found, which improved on the long-term (mean difference-21.8, t(26) = 4.636, p < 0.0005)). DS and DF decreased significantly at the long-term compared to baseline (Z =-4.361, p < 0.0001 for DS, Z =-3.065, p = 0.002 for DF). Twenty-three out of 35 (66%) patients would recommend the procedure to peers.Interpretation: This study indicates a long-term stable effect on drooling after SMGE in patients with anterior drooling. Recurrence of drooling occurs due to unknown reasons, nevertheless most caregivers and/or patients are still satisfied and would recommend the procedure to others.