Transcutaneous neuromuscular electrical stimulation for oropharyngeal dysphagia in adults

To inform the committee, NICE did a rapid review of the published literature on the efficacy and safety of this procedure. This comprised a comprehensive literature search and detailed review of the evidence from 11 sources, which was discussed by the committee. The evidence included 1 systematic review and meta-analysis, 7 randomised controlled trials, 1 comparative study and 2 case series, and is presented in table 2 of the interventional procedures overview. Other relevant literature is in the appendix of the overview.

The specialist advisers and the committee considered the key efficacy outcomes to be: improvement in swallowing and oral intake, and improved quality of life.

The specialist advisers and the committee considered the key safety outcomes to be: skin burn and aspiration.

Patient commentary was sought but none was received.

There are variations in technique with different devices, electrode placement, and treatment durations. The procedure has sometimes been used when the patient is swallowing food.

The committee was informed that this procedure is not currently used in children.

The committee was pleased to receive many comments from patients during consultation. The patients reported positive outcomes after the procedure.