Background: Protection of the salivary gland remains a key to preservation/retrieval of salivary function (SF) while treating head and neck cancers with radiotherapy (RT).
Objective: To estimate the influence of submandibular salivary gland transfer on SF and find out the incidence and level of xerostomia.
Methods: The contralateral submandibular salivary gland (SMSGD) of 44 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the orohypopharynx was repositioned to the submental space and was blocked during the external beam RT (EBRT). Twenty-eight patients underwent radical EBRT (median, 66 Gy) and 16 patients underwent EBRT (median, 46 Gy) plus BRT (median, 30 Gy [range, 15-40 Gy]). Baseline SF was assessed through sialometry and scintigraphy and was repeated after the surgery and RT at sub sequent follow-ups. Quantity and quality of saliva, xerostomia, mucositis, and dysphagia were recorded at 20 Gy, 40 Gy, and 60 Gy for radiation compliance during RT, and quality of life was assessed after radiation therapy.