Divergent Functional Outcome Measures for Perioral Surgery Across Clinical Indications: A Systematic Review.

Background: The perioral region is frequently targeted surgically, with its vulnerability to nonmelanoma skin cancers, congenital deformities, and its role in facial attractiveness. This highlights the need for comprehensive evaluation tools for the region. Functional outcome evaluation can ensure the preservation of vital abilities necessary for daily independence.

Objective: We reviewed and validated postsurgical assessment tools used in oncologic, reconstructive, and cosmetic procedures involving the perioral region, focusing on perioral functional outcomes covered.

Materials and methods: A systematic review across PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus identified validated surgical assessment tools for perioral surgery and the perioral functional outcomes they cover.

Results: Fifty-five validated tools for cosmetic, 17 for oncologic, and 29 for reconstructive surgeries were identified. All surgery types showed a relatively narrow scope in assessing perioral functional outcomes, including speech, eating, and facial expressions. In total, 10/17 oncologic, 12/29 reconstructive, and 2/55 cosmetic tools assessed functional outcomes. A large proportion of cosmetic tools exclusively focused on aesthetic factors, while tools for other surgery types more frequently covered functional, aesthetic, and quality of life outcomes.

Conclusion: Functional outcome assessment seems less emphasized across all perioral surgery types, particularly within cosmetic procedures. Refining tools for comprehensive functional evaluation can enhance patient care.