Name of the Procedure:

Excision of Lesion of Mucosa and Submucosa, Vestibule of Mouth; Complex, with Excision of Underlying Muscle

Summary

This procedure involves the surgical removal of a lesion (such as a tumor or abnormal tissue growth) from the mucosal and submucosal layers of the mouth's vestibule. It is complex because it also requires the excision of the underlying muscle tissue.

Purpose

The procedure is indicated for the removal of benign or malignant lesions in the mouth's vestibule. The goal is to completely eliminate the lesion, prevent its spread, and maintain as much function and appearance as possible.

Indications

• Presence of suspicious or confirmed malignant lesions.
• Symptomatic benign lesions causing pain, discomfort, or functional issues.
• Lesions unresponsive to less invasive treatments.
• Biopsy-confirmed need for thorough removal to ensure clear margins.

Preparation

• Patients may need to fast for 6-8 hours before the procedure.
• Adjustments to current medications as instructed by the doctor.
• Preoperative blood tests and imaging studies (e.g., CT or MRI scans) to assess the lesion.
• Consultation with an anesthesiologist.

Procedure Description

1. The patient is placed under general anesthesia.
2. An antiseptic solution is used to clean the mouth thoroughly.
3. A surgical incision is made to access the lesion.
4. The lesion is excised from the mucosal and submucosal layers, including a portion of the underlying muscle to ensure complete removal.
5. The area is carefully sutured to promote optimal healing.
6. If needed, reconstructive techniques may be applied to restore function and appearance.

Duration

The procedure typically takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on the complexity and size of the lesion.

Setting

This procedure is performed in a hospital operating room or a specialized surgical center.

Personnel

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeon or ENT (Ear, Nose, Throat) specialist.
• Surgical nurse.
• Anesthesiologist.
• Operating room technician.

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the surgical site.
• Bleeding or hematoma formation.
• Nerve damage causing numbness or dysfunction in the lip or cheek.
• Scarring or aesthetic changes.
• Complications from anesthesia.
• Recurrence of the lesion.

Benefits

• Complete removal of the lesion, reducing the risk of recurrence.
• Relief from symptoms like pain or discomfort.
• Improvement in oral function (e.g., chewing, speaking).
• Potentially life-saving if the lesion is malignant.

Recovery

• Initial recovery in the hospital for monitoring (typically a few hours to overnight).
• Prescribed pain management.
• Antibiotics to prevent infection.
• Soft or liquid diet for several days post-operation.
• Follow-up appointments for wound check and suture removal (if necessary).
• Full recovery may take a few weeks.

Alternatives

• Watchful waiting in the case of benign, asymptomatic lesions.
• Less invasive procedures such as laser ablation, if appropriate.
• Radiation or chemotherapy for malignancies not amenable to surgery.

Patient Experience

During the procedure, the patient will be under general anesthesia and not feel pain. Afterward, there may be swelling, bruising, and discomfort, manageable with prescribed pain medications. The patient might experience temporary numbness or difficulty in chewing and speaking, which generally improves as healing progresses.