Functional and aesthetic results of Z-shaped and straight lower lip- splitting incision: a randomized clinical trial

Abstract

Abstract Good access to the site of oral cancer is essential to adequate three-dimensional resection of the tumor. Lip-splitting approach offers excellent access to all areas of the mouth and pharynx, but this inevitably produces a facial scar. In order to achieve better functional and aesthetic results, we designed a novel incision, which is called Z-shaped incision. 58 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria were divided into two groups randomly and went through lip-splitting procedure from March 2021 to April 2022. Eventually 22 patients from both groups were reviewed respectively within at least 6 months and evaluated with lip function assessment scale and POSAS. Results showed that Z-shaped incision group performed better than straight incision group on lip contact movement when 7 days and 1 month, and Z-shaped incision group had lower incidence of notched vermillion and recover faster on sensory disorder but Z-shaped incision group didn’t show advantage over straight incision group in other aspects. In conclusion, this study revealed the process of lip function recovery and scar formation during 6 months after lower lip-splitting incision, and introduced a novel Z-shaped lower lip-splitting incision that may be potential alternative in future operation.