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Surgical management of drooling in the neurologically damaged child

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 June 2007

T. P. O'Dwyer*
Affiliation:
Senior Registrar, Department of Otloaryngology, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin
C. Timon
Affiliation:
Registrar, Department of Otolaryngology, St. James Hospital, Dublin
M. A. Walsh
Affiliation:
Consultant Otolaryngologist, Royal Victoria Eye and Ear Hospital, Dublin
*
Mr. T. P. O'Dwyer, 16 Newlands Park, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, Ireland.

Abstract

Continuous drooling after infancy is rarely seen in normal children. Neurologically damaged children are more likely to continue to drool, and it may be so severe in some cases as to require surgical correction. Submandibular duct relocation is a procedure with minimal morbidity and excellent results. This procedure has been carried out on 16 children at the Eye and Ear Hospital and Temple Street Children'hospital, Dublin, between the years 1982 to 1987. An overall improvement occurred in 13 cases with only one post-operative complication. Such surgery has transformed the lives of these children as well as being a great source of relief for the parents.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 1989

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References

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