Effectiveness of buccal fat pad in surgical management of oral submucous fibrosis: A prospective study of 20 cases

ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of pedicled buccal fat pad in the surgical management of oral submucous fibrosis and assessment of interincisional opening, relief from symptoms, wound healing and relapse rate.Study designA total of 20 patients of oral submucous fibrosis of group IVa (Khanna and Andrade) were selected for the study. Patients were strongly advised for discontinuation of any adverse oral habits. Patients were followed up for one year.ResultsMean preoperative mouth opening was 11.25 mm (SD 3.46 mm) and intraoperative mean mouth opening achieved was 41.75 mm (SD, 3.74 mm). Mean postoperative mouth opening after 1 year follow up was of 31.05 mm (SD 6.80 mm). None of the cases showed infection at any postoperative time interval. A total of 2 (10%) patients reported of burning sensation and a total of 1 (5%) had wound dehiscence which was subsequently managed successfully. A total of 2 (10%) patients showed relapse. Overall success rate was 90%.ConclusionBuccal fat pad functions well as a pedicled graft in the surgical management of oral submucous fibrosis. The healing was uneventful with the uptake of graft but vigorous postoperative physiotherapy was necessary for the first three months and continuing it for a minimum for 1 year to maintain the postoperative mouth opening achieved intraoperatively.