Cheek-Splitting Transbuccal Approaches to the Posterior Region of the Oral Cavity for Cancer Resection.

OBJECTIVE

The intraoral approach for resection of oral cancer in a posterior site is insufficient for exposing the entire lesion and/or allowing the surgical device to resect it cleanly. Therefore, an extraoral approach is required for safe resection of the lesion. The cheek-splitting transbuccal approach (CSTBA) technique allows the surgeon to reach the posterior side of the oral cavity. The authors propose here 2 types of CSTBAs-inferior and superior-and the application of these approaches in 7 cases.

PATIENTS AND

METHODS

Inferior CSTBA was applied in 6 cases for marginal mandibulectomy. Superior CSTBA was applied in only one case of early cancer in the root of the tongue.

RESULTS

The tumor was resected safely in all cases. During follow-up, subsequent lymph adenopathy was detected in 2 cases.

CONCLUSION

Two types of CSTBAs were useful for resection of oral cancer in a posterior site without compromising the integrity of the submandibular region, where lymph nodes are located.