Treatment of patients with sialorrhea. A systematic review

Authors

  • Juan Carlos Cisneros-Lesser Hospital das Clínicas, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil; Subdirección de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación-LGII, Ciudad de México, México.
  • Mario Sabas Hernández-Palestina Subdirector de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello. Subdirección de Otorrinolaringología y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello. Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación LGII. Ciudad de México, México.

Keywords:

Drooling, sialorrhea, botulinum toxin, salivary duct ligation, salivary duct relocation, salivary gland resection

Abstract

Introduction: Sialorrhea, defined as the unintentional and passive loss of saliva from the oral cavity due to a dysfunction in the coordination of the swallowing mechanism, is a relevant medical problem that generates important disability and negative effects on the physical health and quality of life of patients with chronic neurological disabilities. Various approaches have been described to manage this condition, including oral motor therapy, behavior modification with biofeedback, drug therapy with anticholinergic medications or botulinum toxin, and a wide range of surgical treatments. Objective: To provide a thorough overview of sialorrhea and its different treatment modalities. Methods: We analyzed by PubMed, MD consult, and Ovid-SP

data bases. Discussion: We describe the initial evaluation of the patient with sialorrhea and 

the subjective and objective methods to evaluate its severity. The diverse treatment modalities for this pathology as well as their results are described. Conclusions: Sialorrhea is a complex pathology that requires a multidisciplinary management. Multiple treatment modalities exist

and they should be considered according to the severity of the problem. Oral motor training should be considered as the first line of treatment. Botulinum toxin is effective in cases in which conservative measures are not sufficient. Surgical treatment is the last resource; diverse effective surgical techniques have been developed.

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Published

2024-08-19

How to Cite

1.
Cisneros-Lesser JC, Hernández-Palestina MS. Treatment of patients with sialorrhea. A systematic review. InDiscap [Internet]. 2024 Aug. 19 [cited 2024 Nov. 21];6(1):17-24. Available from: http://dsm.inr.gob.mx/indiscap/index.php/INDISCAP/article/view/339

Issue

Section

Evidence synthesis and meta-research