Evaluation of effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on salivary flow rate in radiation induced xerostomia patients: A pilot study

Abstract

The present study gave us an insight about the effectiveness of TENS therapy in stimulating salivary flow in healthy subjects and it is very effective when used in conjunction with radiation therapy by reducing the side-effects of radiation therapy. Hence, TENS therapy can be used as an adjunctive method for the treatment of xerostomia along with other treatment modalities.

Efeito agudo da Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) sobre a hipossalivação induzida pela radioterapia na região de cabeça e pescoço: um estudo preliminar

“…The present findings show that the median of the stimulated salivary flow increased by 100% in patients with RT-induced hyposalivation. In the study conducted by Lakshman et al (12) , TENS (500Hz) was used in bilateral parotid glands. The authors found an increase in salivary flow with a variation of 3.7% to 140% in the intervention groups.…”

“…Another point to consider is the long-term effect of TENS. Some studies (12,26) tried to find out if the increase of saliva would continue over time; however, they are uncontrolled trials and/or have reduced samples. Thus, despite their results, they do not have enough theoretical bases to justify the choice of this method for treatment of hyposalivation after RT.…”

“…Salivary flow was determined by stimulation with the sialometry technique (12) through the Halitus  kit. It was measured before and immediately after the application of TENS through an independent evaluator who was blind to the study groups.…”

“…There is scarce scientific evidence available in the literature. Existing research (12,13) raises the possibility of using this technique as a way to reestablish salivary flow. However, in the published studies, application occurred in patients who had undergone RT through the IMRT or the 3D methods (12,13) , which entail a higher chance of success in the technique, because lesser damage is expected in salivary glands.…”

“…Existing research (12,13) raises the possibility of using this technique as a way to reestablish salivary flow. However, in the published studies, application occurred in patients who had undergone RT through the IMRT or the 3D methods (12,13) , which entail a higher chance of success in the technique, because lesser damage is expected in salivary glands. Moreover, the studies differ as to the method of saliva collection, devices and size of electrodes, neither do they report important information, e.g., intensity tolerated or even the method of sialometryused.…”