Function of Submaxillary Gland Following Iatrogenic Damage to Chorda Tympani Nerve

Abstract

Flow rate, protein and amylase content of submaxillary saliva were determined before and after iatrogenic damage to the chorda tympani nerve during otosurgery. Parallel to these investigations, gustatory function was checked. Chronic otopathy itself did not lead to a disturbance of either the sense of taste or the function of the submaxillary gland in any of the 14 patients. On the other hand, the flow rate of the affected gland dropped after chorda division (8 patients) and after chorda stretching (6 patients), and the protein concentration of the saliva was increased while the concentration of amylase remained unchanged. Dysgeusia was always observed after chorda division but only once among 6 cases of chorda stretching.