CPT® Code 42510

A bilateral parotid duct diversion, commonly known as a Wilke procedure, is a surgical intervention aimed at addressing excessive salivation, medically referred to as sialorrhea. This condition often leads to uncontrolled drooling, which can significantly impact a patient's quality of life. Sialorrhea is frequently associated with neurological disorders, such as cerebral palsy or traumatic brain injuries, which can disrupt the normal regulation of saliva production. The procedure involves the diversion of the parotid ducts, which are responsible for draining saliva from the parotid glands, one of the three major pairs of salivary glands in the human body, alongside the submandibular and sublingual glands. During the Wilke procedure, the parotid ducts are meticulously dissected from the surrounding tissues, preserving a cuff of mucosa, and are then repositioned to the tonsillar fossae, where they are secured with sutures. In conjunction with this diversion, the procedure also entails the ligation and division of both submandibular ducts, known as Wharton's ducts, which further aids in reducing saliva flow. This comprehensive approach is designed to alleviate the symptoms of sialorrhea by effectively managing the pathways through which saliva is secreted into the oral cavity.