Transposition nasolabial flap: A versatile flap for sensate reconstruction of lip defects.

INTRODUCTION: Lip reconstruction aims at maintaining the function and aesthetics of the facial subunits. Sensation in the reconstructed lip helps in bolus formation, tactile discrimination, and thermal sensation. In this study, we aim to describe random pattern nasolabial flap for lip reconstruction using various functional parameters. METHODOLOGY: This is a retrospective study of 22 patients with carcinoma lip who underwent surgical resection and reconstruction with sensate nasolabial flap. Several clinicopathological parameters were studied. Outcome parameters like oral competence, tactile sensation, thermal sensitivity of reconstructed lip and speech outcomes were evaluated. RESULT: A functional outcome with 2-4 mm of two-point discrimination was obtained in 19 patients. All patients had intelligible speech. A mean sulcus depth of 19.59 mm was achieved. One patient had partial flap loss owing to wound infection. CONCLUSION: Random pattern senate nasolabial flap offers a good functional outcome by maintaining the tactile and thermal sensitivity.

The incisive papilla as a guide to maxillary anterior teeth position for complete dentures.

CONTEXT: The incisive papilla as a guide for complete dentures. AIMS: To evaluate incisive papilla as a guide to maxillary anterior teeth position for complete dentures. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: To measure the linear distances from the incisive papilla to the maxillary central incisors in Odia population and compare it to other ethnic groups. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The subjects were selected following inclusion & exclusion criteria. The impressions of maxillary & mandibular arches were taken and poured with die stone to produce the cast. The incisive papilla & incisors were marked on casts with a pencil. The photographs of casts were traced on an acetate tracing paper. The anterior-most points of maxillary incisors, anterior, middle & posterior-most points of incisive papillae were marked on the tracing as A, I1,M, I2 respectively. The A to M and A to I2 distances were measured, analysed and compared with Caucasians, Southern Chinese, and Dravidians. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Independent sample "t" test and Analysis of Variance followed by the post-hoc Bonferroni test were used. RESULTS: A sample of 100 subjects in the age group of 20 to 40 years with was selected. The A to M measurements of Odia population differed significantly from Caucasians but were similar to Southern Chinese population. The A to I2 measurements of Odia population differed significantly from Caucasians & Dravidians but were similar to Southern Chinese. CONCLUSION: The linear measurements from incisive papilla to maxillary incisors of the Odia population are similar to that of Southern Chinese but differ significantly from Caucasians and Dravidians.

3-D Miniplates Versus Conventional Miniplates in Treatment of Mandible Fractures.

AIM: To study whether the use of 3-D miniplate, when compared with conventional miniplate, gives better clinical outcomes with fewer complications in patients with fracture mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Trauma Care Centre, on 40 patients. They were randomly divided into Group-I and Group-II with 20 patients in each group. In Group-I, 3-D miniplate was used and in Group-II, conventional miniplate was used. Parameters such as fracture stability, occlusal status, mouth opening, nerve paresthesia, infection, pain, swelling, and complications were evaluated on 1st, 7th postoperative day, 1st month and 3rd month. RESULTS: Fracture stability and occlusion were clinically better in Group-I than in Group-II on each follow-up; however, it was not statistically significant. Infection rate was lesser in Group-I than in Group-II (p = 0.003). Mouth opening was more in Group-II than in Group-I on immediate (p = 0.001) and 7th post-op day (p = 0.002). Overall complications were lesser in Group-I than in Group-II (p > 0.005). CONCLUSION: There is no major difference observed in clinical outcomes between 3-D miniplate and conventional miniplate. Either method of fixation can be used successfully in treatment of mandible fractures with comparable rates of complications.

Bipolar Vessel Sealing System Versus Suture Ligation in Selective Neck Dissection.

AIM: To evaluate whether the use of electrothermal bipolar vessel sealing system reduces the blood loss and operating time, with lesser complications as compared to suture ligation in selective neck dissection in patients with oral cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of our institute from January 2015 to December 2016. The sample consisted of 60 patients, divided into Groups I and II with 30 subjects in each. In Group I electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer and in Group II suture ligation were used. The outcome measures recorded were: blood loss, operating time, quality of surgical field, postoperative pain on days 1, 2, and 3, drainage volume at 24, 48, and 72 h, edema, complications, and duration of hospital stay. RESULTS: There were 36 males and 24 females with a mean age of 50.76 ± 12.6 years. Blood loss was significantly less for Group I than for Group II (p = 0.001); the operating time was significantly less in Group I than in Group II (p = 0.001); Group I had better quality of surgical field (p = 0.001); less pain on postoperative evening, day 2 and day 3 (p < 0.05); and less drainage volume at 24 and 48 h (p < 0.05). Postoperative edema, complications, need for perioperative blood transfusion, and duration of hospital stay postsurgery were similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: The electrothermal bipolar vessel sealer was efficacious in terms of reducing blood loss and operating time while providing a better surgical field and patient compliance without increasing the perioperative morbidity.

High Flow AV Malformation (A-V Shunt) of Mandible: A Rare Life Threatening Entity.

Intraosseous Arteriovenous Malformations (AVMs) in the head and neck region are very rare and potentially life threatening entities due to massive hemorrhage. These are the results of an embryonic abnormality of the vascular system. Depending on the blood flow and clinical presentations they are of different types like slow flow and high flow AVM. Here we present a case of high flow AVM involving mandible with a chief complain of gingival bleeding in a four year old girl child.

Preoperative evaluation of cervical lymph nodes for metastasis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma: A comparative study of efficacy of palpation, ultrasonography and computed tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cancer is a major health threat in a country like India, where patients frequently present with advanced disease with regional dissemination to cervical lymph nodes. The management and prognosis depend on the status of cervical lymph nodes. Thus, it becomes imperative to diagnose and evaluate them preoperatively. AIM: This study aims to compare the efficacy of palpation, ultrasonography (USG) and computed tomography (CT) in the preoperative evaluation of cervical lymph node for metastasis in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma. SETTINGS: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, SCB Dental College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, India. METHODOLOGY: A total of thirty patients of either sex of age group 20-70 years, diagnosed with oral cancer were randomly selected for the study and subjected to palpation, USG and computer tomography followed by histopathology for confirmation. The results were evaluate statistically by sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value and accuracy. RESULTS: For level IA palpation, USG and CT were equally sensitive (100%) and specific (100%). Although palpation, USG and CT were equally sensitive (80%) for level IB, the specificity of palpation (70%)

Sedation in oral and maxillofacial day care surgery: A comparative study between intravenous dexmedetomidine and midazolam.

INTRODUCTION: Sedation is an important component of day care oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures under local anesthesia. Although various sedative drugs in different regimens have been used for sedation, an ideal agent and regimen are yet to be established. AIM: The aim of this study is to compare the efficacy of intravenous (IV) dexmedetomidine and midazolam as a sedative agent for day care oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. SETTINGS: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, SCB Dental College and Hospital, Cuttack, Odisha, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of sixty adult patients of age group 18-65 years, of either sex were randomly selected equally in two groups for the study. One group named Group D received dexmedetomidine and the other named Group M received midazolam. Patients were evaluated for oxygen saturation (SPO2), respiration rate (RR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), Ramsay sedation score, bispectral index (BIS) score, amnesia, Aldrete score, relaxation during the surgery, and drug preference. RESULTS: Midazolam was associated with greater amnesia. Dexmedetomidine was associated with lower heart rate, SBP, and DBP. There was no significant difference in SPO2, RR, Aldrete score, Ramsay sedation score, and BIS score between the two drugs. Patient preference and relaxation were more in dexmedetomidine group. CONCLUSION: IV dexmedetomidine is a comparable alternative to midazolam for sedation in day care oral and maxillofacial surgery under local anesthesia. It is the preferred drug when a lower heart rate and blood pressure or less amnesia is needed without any serious side effects.