A case of improvement of restricted mouth opening caused by buccal mucosa scar using nasolabial flap

Abstract

Restricted mouth opening after oral cancer treatment is a secondary complication caused by scarring of leading to difficulty in eating, chewing, swallowing, breathing and speaking; resulting in poor oral health with psychological difficulties and negative impact on Quality of Life (QoL). There is no specific treatment for trismus and current strategies emphasize on prevention using conservative therapy and surgical resection of scar tissues with reconstruction in cases where conservative therapy is inadequate. Despite the availability of plethora of reconstructive options nasolabial flap with its robust blood supply based on facial artery and proximity to oral cavity requires simpler surgical technique, less time for flap harvest and inset; has improved success rate and is versatile enough to cover both small and large defect with scars that are often well-concealed within the natural nasolabial fold. Herein, we present a case of restricted mouth opening caused by buccal mucosa scar contracture following resection of malignant tumor. The patient underwent surgical resection of scar tissue and a single step technique nasolabial flap reconstruction demonstrating a successful outcome.