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

Sialorrhoea is an indication of dysfunction in the coordination of the swallowing mechanism. Disturbance in this coordination results in excess pooling of saliva in the anterior mouth and resultant drooling. Several surgical techniques have been described for the management of sialorrhoea. In this experimental 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 were included in the study. The surgical procedure involved the dissection of both parotid duct orifices and their relocation via a submucosal tunnel into the glossopalatal arch, using a vein graft for the right, side and an artery 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 showed the replacement of endothelium by multilayered cubic Stensenʹs duct epithelium in both artery and vein grafts. There was no difference between the results of artery and vein grafts. Surgical transposition of Stensenʹs duct into the glossopalatal arch with autologous vein or artery graft is a safe technique which may be used in clinical cases of drooling as an alternative to the other techniques described.