Treatment of Oral Submucous Fibrosis Using Split Skin Graft and a Polyethylene Stent: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Aim: Aim of this study was to evaluate the split skin graft held in place with a polyethylene stent for the treatment of oral submucous fibrosis. Methods: Fifteen prospective patients diagnosed clinically with oral submucous fibrosis, from June 2011 to 12 December 2012, were recruited for this study. All patients were treated surgically using the same surgical technique of fibrotomy followed by split skin graft along with a polyethylene stent. Preoperative and postoperative mouth opening measurements at 1 week and after a minimum of 6 months were evaluated by measuring the inter incisal distance. Results: Mean follow up was 9.8 months with a minimum of 6 months. Mean preoperative mouth opening was 12.9 mm (6–20 mm). Intraoperatively mean mouth opening was 37.9 mm (36–41 mm). After 1 week mean mouth opening was 35.8 mm (31–40 mm). At 6 months follow up, mean mouth opening was 33 mm (20–40 mm). Conclusion: Fibrotomy followed by split skin graft along with a polyethylene sheet stent and sufficient postoperative physiotherapy is a simple, cost effective and viable treatment modality for oral submucous fibrosis.