Name of the Procedure:

Excision of Lesion of Tongue with Closure; Posterior One-Third

Summary

This procedure involves surgically removing a lesion (abnormal growth or area of tissue) from the back third of the tongue and then closing the wound. It aims to eliminate potentially harmful or bothersome tissue.

Purpose

• Medical Condition: Addresses lesions such as benign tumors, malignant tumors, or other abnormal growths on the tongue.
• Goals: To remove the lesion, reduce the risk of malignancy, alleviate symptoms, and prevent further complications.

Indications

• Presence of a suspicious or diagnosed lesion on the posterior one-third of the tongue.
• Symptoms like pain, difficulty swallowing, or speaking.
• Lesions that are growing, bleeding, or causing other concerns.

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 6-8 hours before the procedure, particularly if general anesthesia will be used.
• Discontinuation of certain medications as instructed by the healthcare provider.
• Preoperative assessments including blood tests, imaging studies, and potentially a biopsy.

Procedure Description

1. Anesthesia: Administered either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation.
2. Incision: A precise incision is made around the lesion.
3. Excision: The lesion is carefully removed from the posterior one-third of the tongue.
4. Closure: The wound is stitched or closed using specialized techniques to minimize scarring and promote healing.
5. Hemostasis: Measures are taken to control and stop bleeding.

Tools and Equipment: Surgical scalpel, retractors, sutures, possibly electrocautery for bleeding control.

Duration

Approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the size and complexity of the lesion.

Setting

Performed in a hospital operating room or a surgical center.

Personnel

• Surgeon: Performs the excision and closure.
• Nurses: Assist during the procedure.
• Anesthesiologist: Manages anesthesia and monitors the patient.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Infection, bleeding, swelling, pain.
• Rare Risks: Nerve damage, speech impairment, difficulty swallowing, adverse reactions to anesthesia.

Benefits

• Removal of a potentially harmful lesion.
• Alleviation of symptoms like pain or difficulty swallowing.
• Reduced risk of malignancy or further complications.

Recovery

• Post-Procedure Care: Pain management with medications; antibiotics to prevent infection; soft diet recommended initially.
• Recovery Time: Generally 1-2 weeks, but full healing may take longer.
• Restrictions: Avoid hard or spicy foods; follow-up appointments for monitoring and stitch removal if needed.

Alternatives

• Watchful Waiting: Monitoring the lesion for changes instead of immediate removal.
• Non-Surgical Treatments: Laser therapy, cryotherapy, or other methods depending on the lesion type.
• Pros and Cons: Non-surgical options might be less invasive but may not be as definitive or might require multiple treatments.

Patient Experience

• During Procedure: Unconscious if under general anesthesia; minimal discomfort if under local anesthesia.
• After Procedure: Some pain and swelling; pain is manageable with prescribed medications. Speech and swallowing may be temporarily affected but generally improve with time.
• Comfort measures include ice packs, pain relievers, and soft foods.