Surgical Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis with Reconstruction using Tongue Flap

Abstract

This is a case report of successful surgical management of a 25-year-old male patient diagnosed with moderately advanced oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). The patient presented with chief complaints of reduced mouth opening and a history of gutka chewing for seven years. Clinical examination revealed a decreased mouth opening, palpable fibrous bands in the buccal mucosa, and reduced elasticity bilaterally. Following a diagnosis of grade III OSMF, the patient underwent surgical treatment with grafting using a tongue flap, with the additional recommendation to quit tobacco chewing. Under general anesthesia, fibrous bands were excised from the buccal mucosa, and a tongue flap was raised to fill the resulting mucosal defect. Closure was achieved using sutures, and a buccal fat pad was utilized to close the mucosal defect on the opposite side. Follow-up evaluations demonstrated stable mouth opening,  along with satisfactory healing and absence of complications. This case highlights the effectiveness of surgical intervention, particularly the use of tongue flap grafting, in achieving favorable outcomes for OSMF management, underscoring its role as a valuable treatment modality in cases of advanced OMFS.