[Blocking secretion of exocrine glands in the head-neck area by administration of botulinum toxin A. Therapy of a rare disease picture].

BACKGROUND: Hypersecretion disorders of the exocrine glands of the head and neck area are a therapeutic problem in the field of otorhinolaryngology. In the present study, we demonstrate the effectiveness of local injections of botulinum toxin A to block secretions of exocrine glands of the head and neck area. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four patients suffering from hypersecretion disorders received local injections of botulinum toxin A. Two patients suffered from disorders of the salivary glands: one presented an idiopathic hypersialorrhea and another a salivary fistula after parotidectomy. A third patient suffered from epiphora and a further patient presented severe hyperhidrosis on the pilose head region. In a retrospective clinical study, the outcome of therapy was evaluated by clinical examination and chemical parameters.
RESULTS: Clear blocking of secretion in the treated glands could be demonstrated in all four cases. Possible side effects of the treatment could not be observed.
CONCLUSIONS: The present study was able to demonstrate a clear blocking of secretion of the exocrine glands of the head and neck region through botulinum toxin A, offering an improvement in therapy especially for the innovative indication of blocking the salivary glands of the head.