OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of capsaicin on the secretion of the transferred gland in "latent period".

METHODSForty-two patients (45 sides of eye), who received the microvascular autologous submandibular gland transfer in our hospital, were treated with two different types of capsaicin stimulations. The secretion function of the transferred glands was evaluated by Schirmer's test. The effect of capsaicin and its time-variation regularity were observed. In the meantime, the results of capsaicin were compared with some other stimulation methods, such as acid, chewing and physiotherapy with infrared rays.

RESULTSThe capsaicin gargle, capsaicin cream and physiotherapy could all promote the secretion of the transferred gland, while the effects of the capsaicin stimulation were more obvious. The other two stimulations (acid and chewing) had no effect on the secretion of the transferred gland.

CONCLUSIONSThe capsaicin stimulation can be taken as one of the effective means to promote the secretion of the transferred glands in "latent period" and to prevent the obstruction of the ducts. Because of its convenience and blandness, the capsaicin cream is the first choice of the clinical application options for the transferred submandibular gland in "latent period".