Ad. Rapidis et al., Functional and aesthetic results of various lip-splitting incisions: A clinical analysis of 60 cases, J ORAL MAX, 59(11), 2001, pp. 1292-1296
Purpose: This study retrospectively evaluated the functional and aesthetic
results of various types of lip-splitting incisions in a group of patients
in whom this approach was used to treat intraoral tumors.
Patients and Methods: Between 1992 and 1998, 87 consecutive patients were s
ubjected to either mandibulotomy or mandibulectomy using a lip-splitting in
cision. During this period, 4 types of incisions were sequentially used: st
raight midline incision, lateral lip-splitting incision, midline splitting
with extension around the contour of the chin, and the chevron chin-contour
incision. Sixty patients with a follow-up of at least 6 months were includ
ed in the study. The patients were asked to answer a questionnaire regardin
g the degree of satisfaction with the cosmetic result of the procedure and
were clinically assessed for sensory and functional impairment resulting fr
om the incision. The remaining 27 patients were lost to follow-up or had di
ed of their disease.
Results: The lateral lip-splitting incision caused the fewest postoperative
problems in patients subjected to either mandibulotomy or mandibulectomy.
The best overall results were achieved by the chevron-chin contour incision
. The incision that followed the contour of the chin and the straight midli
ne incision showed less satisfactory results.
Conclusion: The chevron chin-contour incision, along with meticulous soft t
issue closure, produces the best aesthetic and functional results. (C) 2001
American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.