The present study comprised thirty-four patients with oral cavity cancer.
A new non lip-splitting approach for access of the oral cavity was employed
in eleven of these patients. Choice of using this approach was
based on the fact that the perora/ approach was difficult and inndPquate
for performing safe radical resection_ The new approach was applied in
an effort to overcome many of the disadvantages that may follow the use
of the lip-splitting techniques.
The approach involves opening the oral cavity through the angle of the
mouth along the inferior buccolabial sulcus. The incision provides good access
for resection of the tumours and repair of the defects with excellent
cosmetic and functional results There was no mortality or morbidity related
to this non lip-splitting incision. Two minor complications were related
to the various reconstructive techniques.
This new lateral approach is to be recommended for the intraoral lesions
for the patients in whom the peroraL access is difficult and expected
to result in a more complicated outcome and disfigurement. It is particularly
suited for lesions extending to or near the angle of the mouth. The
scar of the incision running along natural skin creases is likely to give
good scar, especially in elderly patients in whom these operations are
more common. The whole lip being avulsed as a single flap and the labial
vessels being undisturbed is likely to give a chance for the wound to heal
well and makes flap loss unlikely. |
