The medium to long-term effects of two-duct ligation for excessive drooling in neurodisabilities, a cross-sectional study

Abstract Objectives This study aims to evaluate the medium to long-term (1–12 years) effectiveness of two-duct ligation (2-DL) in patients with nonprogressive neurodisabilities. Methods Main outcomes included a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Drooling Severity (DS) and Drooling Frequency (DF), collected at baseline, 32 weeks postintervention and 1–12 years postintervention. Secondary outcomes were adverse events (AEs), and satisfaction. Results Forty-two patients were analyzed (mean age 17 years, mean baseline VAS 82). VAS decreased significantly from baseline to long-term (n = 30. Mean difference −36.5, CI -47.0 to −26.0, p ≤ 0.001; −26.1, CI -36.2 to −15.9, p ≤ 0.001). However, long-term VAS significantly increased compared to VAS at 32 weeks (+10.4, CI 1.0–19.8, p = 0.031). Out of 42 patients, 64% would recommend 2-DL to peers. Conclusion There is a significant subjective 2-DL effect on drooling severity in the medium to long-term as reported by patients and caregivers, but there is also a certain degree of recurrence in this time span, and 33% of the patients required subsequent treatment. However, the majority of patients and/or caregivers would recommend 2-DL to peers.