An experimental study of bilateral repositioning of the Stensen's duct orifices with autologous vein and artery grafts in dogs

Sialorrhoea is an indication of dysfunction in the coordination of the swal lowing mechanism. Disturbance in this coordination results in excess poolin g of saliva in the anterior mouth and resultant drooling. Several surgical techniques have been described for the management of sialorrhoea. In this e xperimental study, we planned to try a more safe and physiologic technique by repositioning of the parotid duct orifices into the glossopalatal arch, using autologous free grafts of vein and artery in dogs. Ten adult dogs were used. In each dog, both of the parotid duct orifices we re included in the study. The surgical procedure involved the dissection of both parotid duct orifices and their relocation via a submucosal tunnel in to the glossopalatal arch, using a vein graft for the right side and an art ery graft for the left side. Functional assessment was based on the clinical observations and retrograde sialography done on the 60th day. Results were excellent. No stricture or obstruction was noted. Histological examinations done on the 90th day showe d the replacement of endothelium by multilayered cubic Stensen's duct epith elium in both artery and vein grafts. There was no difference between the r esults of artery and vein grafts. Surgical transposition of Stensen`s duct into the glossopalatal arch with a utologous vein or artery graft is a safe technique which may be used in cli nical cases of drooling us an alternative to the other techniques described . (C) 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.