Xenogeneic Collagen Matrix Versus Free Gingival Graft for Augmenting Peri-Implant Keratinized Mucosa Around Dental Implants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVES: There is a growing evidence to suggest augmenting peri-implant keratinized mucosa in the presence of ≤ 2 mm of keratinized mucosa. However, the most appropriate surgical technique and augmentation materials have yet to be defined. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analyses was to evaluate the clinical and patient-reported outcomes of augmenting keratinized mucosa around implants using free gingival graft (FGG) versus xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) before commencing prosthetic implant treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Electronic databases were searched to identify observational studies comparing implant sites augmented with FGG to those augmented with XCM. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's Risk of Bias tool. RESULTS: Six studies with 174 participants were included in the present review. Of these, 87 participants had FGG, whereas the remaining participants had XCM. At 6 months, sites augmented with FGG were associated with less changes in the gained width of peri-implant keratinized mucosa compared to those augmented with XCM (mean difference 1.06; 95% confidence interval -0.01 to 2.13; p = 0.05). The difference, however, was marginally significant. The difference between the two groups in changes in thickness of peri-implant keratinized mucosa at 6 months was statistically significantly in favor of FGG. On the other hand, XCM had significantly shorter surgical time, lower postoperative pain score, and higher color match compared to FGG. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitation of this review, the augmentation of keratinized mucosa using FGG before the placement of the final prosthesis may have short-term positive effects on soft tissue thickness. XCM might be considered in aesthetically demanding implant sites and where patient comfort or shorter surgical time is a priority. The evidence support, however, is of low to moderate certainty; therefore, further studies are needed to support the findings of the present review.

[Robot-assisted laparoscopic ureteroplasty with buccal mucosa graft for complex ureteral stricture].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of robot-assisted laparoscopic buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty in the treatment of complex long proximal ureteral stricture. METHODS: The clinical data of 20 patients with proximal ureteral stricture undergoing robot-assisted laparoscopic buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty admitted to the Department of Urology, Peking University First Hospital and Beijing Jiangong Hospital from July 2022 to January 2023 were prospectively collected and analyzed. Intraoperative conditions, postoperative complications and follow-up data were also recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: The operations under robot-assisted laparoscopy were performed successfully in all the 20 patients without conversion to traditional laparoscopic surgery or open surgery. The study included 14 males and 6 females with a mean age of (41±11) years (range: 19 to 60 years) and a mean body mass index of (24.3±3.6) kg/m2 (range: 18.2 to 31.8 kg/m2). There were 9 cases on the left side and 11 cases on the right side. The strictures of all the patients were located in the proximal segment of the ureter (including the ureteropelvic junction). The mean preoperative serum creatinine was (92.2±23.3) µmol/L (range: 49.2 to 138.9 µmol/L), and the mean length of ureteral stricture was (2.8±0.9) cm (range: 1.0 to 4.0 cm). Ten patients had previously undergone unsuccessful reconstructive surgery. During the operation, 12 patients received posteriorly augmented anastomosis with ventral onlay. The mean length of the buccal mucosa graft harvested during the operation was (3.1±0.6) cm (range: 2.0 to 4.3 cm), and the median width was 1.5 cm (range: 1.0 to 2.0 cm). The omentum flap was used to wrap the reconstructed ureteral segment in all the 20 cases. The median operative time was 154 min (range: 113 to 300 min), and the median estimated blood loss was 45 mL (range: 0 to 100 mL). The median postoperative hospital stay was 4 d (range: 4 to 14 d). The mean postoperative follow-up time was (15.0±1.7) months (range: 12.5 to 17.9 months), and the surgical success rate was 100.0% in this study. After surgery, 11 patients reported mild discomfort at the oral donor site, 2 patients deve-loped urinary tract infection, and no postoperative complications were reported in the other 7 patients. The mean serum creatinine was (90.9±23.9) µmol/L (range: 60.0 to 153.0 µmol/L) six months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Robot-assisted laparoscopic buccal mucosa graft ureteroplasty for the treatment of complex long proximal ureteral stricture has satisfactory efficacy without severe complications, which has shown good feasibility, safety and effectiveness. However, large sample studies and long-term follow-up are still needed to evaluate its long-term efficacy.

Update on using buccal myomucosal flaps for patients with cleft palate and velopharyngeal insufficiency: primary and secondary interventions.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review aims to examine the indications and anatomical circumstances for when to optimally incorporate buccal myomucosal flaps (BMFs) into palatal surgical reconstruction. RECENT FINDINGS: Studies examining outcomes following primary cleft palate repair with incorporation of BMF have demonstrated excellent speech outcomes and low rates of fistula. Furthermore, some reports cite an association of buccal flap use with reduced midface hypoplasia and the need for later orthognathic surgery. When used for secondary speech surgery, BMFs have been shown to lead to speech improvements across multiple outcome measures. Advantages of BMF techniques over conventionally described pharyngeal flap and pharyngoplasty procedures include significant lengthening of the velum, favorable repositioning of the levator muscular sling, and lower rates of obstructive sleep apnea. SUMMARY: Although the published data demonstrate excellent outcomes with use of BMFs for primary and secondary palatal surgery, there are limited data to conclude superiority over the traditional, more extensively investigated surgical techniques. The authors of this review agree with the evidence that BMF techniques can be useful in primary palatoplasty for congenitally wide clefts, secondary speech surgery for large velopharyngeal gaps, and/or in individuals with a predisposition for airway obstruction from traditional approaches.

Topographical and histological analysis of keratinized mucosal grafts removal techniques an ex-vivo study in porcine mandibles.

The aim of this study was to assess the surface and tissue quality of keratinized mucosa grafts (KMG) obtained using the conventional scalpel and mucotome techniques. This was an experimental in vitro/ex vivo study involving six porcine hemi-mandibles. Specimens were harvested using both the mucotome and conventional scalpel techniques, with randomization determining the choice of technique for tissue removal. The specimens were prepared following predefined laboratory protocols and subsequently subjected to optical microscopy for evaluating epithelial and connective tissue and scanning electron microscopy for topographical and 3D profilometry analysis. Tissues harvested using the mucotome exhibited a linear base and uniform thickness, along with the presence of submucosa and fibrous connective tissue, all of which are ideal for graft success. Differences in the surface characteristics of specimens obtained through the two techniques were observed during a comparative analysis of images obtained through both microscopy types. KMG obtained using the mucotome technique displayed greater uniformity and reduced undesirable cell presence compared to the scalpel technique, thereby enhancing the likelihood of success in soft tissue graft surgical procedures. This study provides valuable insights to oral healthcare professionals and may contribute to future research aimed at achieving more successful surgeries, shorter postoperative recovery times, reduced discomfort, and an overall more positive patient experience.

Repair of buccal mucosa and floor of mouth defects using keystone design perforator island flap.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of utilizing the keystone design perforator island flap (KDPIF) for the repair of small to medium-sized defects in the buccal mucosa and floor of mouth (cT1-2 stage tumor). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a retrospective analysis of eight patients who underwent KDPIF to address oral defects at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between June 2021 and September 2022. Patient information, including medical history, defect site, flap size, operative time, hospital stay, complications, and postoperative recovery of oral function, was comprehensively evaluated. RESULTS: Eight patients (6 females and 2 males) underwent reconstruction using KDPIF. The mean operation time was 58.5 minutes (55-63 minutes), with an average length of stay of 3.5 days (3-5 days). None of the 8 cases (100%) exhibited flap splitting necrosis or infection. Moreover, no scar contracture was observed, and oral functions, including the degree of opening, type of opening, tongue mobility, speech function, and swallowing function, were successfully restored. One patient (12.5%) experienced bleeding from the incision on the first postoperative day, but following compression, hemostasis was achieved, and the incision healed well. CONCLUSIONS: KDPIF demonstrates technical feasibility and suitability for repairing small to medium-sized buccal mucosa and floor of mouth defects (cT1-2).

Myomucosal composite graft: A simple technique for full-thickness vermilion defects of the lower lip.

Reconstruction of vermillion defects of the lower lip requires careful consideration of functional and aesthetic aspects. Traditionally, various local flap methods involving tissue advancement from the corner of the mouth, lateral chin, and medial cheek have been commonly employed to fill lower lip defects. However, these approaches have inherent limitations, which include technical complexity, disruption of the orbicularis oris muscle, lip tightening, microstomia, and visible scarring. To overcome these limitations, we employed a free myomucosal composite graft from the lower lip to reconstruct small to medium vermilion defects. Our technique is based on a simple and reproducible surgical approach that facilitates natural volume rearrangement of tissues. Moreover, this method enables precise inset and tension-free repair, prevents lip tightening, and offers excellent aesthetic outcomes with no vertical scarring and appropriate color matching with surrounding tissues.

A combination technique of strip free gingival grafts and xenogeneic collagen matrix in augmenting keratinized mucosa around dental implants: a single-arm clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the outcomes of the combination technique of strip free gingival grafts (SFGG) and xenogeneic collagen matrix (XCM) in augmenting the width of keratinized mucosa (KMW) around dental implants, and compare its efficacy with the historical control group (FGG). METHODS: Thirteen patients with at least one site with KMW ≤ 2 mm after implant surgery were included and received SFGG in combination with XCM. Another thirteen patients with the same inclusion and exclusion criteria from the previous trial received FGG alone. The same outcomes as the previous trial were evaluated. KMW, thickness of keratinized mucosa (KMT), gingival index (GI) and probing depth (PD) were measured at baseline, 2 and 6 months. Postoperative pain, patient satisfaction and aesthetic outcomes were also assessed. RESULTS: At 6 months after surgery, the combination technique could attain 3.3 ± 1.6 mm of KMW. No significant change could be detected in GI or PD at 6 months compared to those at 2 months (p > 0.05). The postoperative pain and patient satisfaction in VAS were 2.6 ± 1.2 and 9.5 ± 1.2. The total score of aesthetic outcomes was 3.8 ± 1.2. In the historical FGG group, 4.6 ± 1.6 mm of KMW was reported at 6 months, and the total score of aesthetic outcomes was higher than the combination technique (4.8 ± 0.7 vs. 3.8 ± 1.2, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination technique of SFGG and XCM could increase KMW and maintain peri-implant health. However, this combination technique was associated with inferior augmentation and aesthetic outcomes compared with FGG alone. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry with registration number ChiCTR2200057670 on 15/03/2022.

Vascularized fascial flap for reconstruction of combined oral mucosa-mandibular defects: The multi-modal biological assessment.

OBJECTIVE: The reconstruction of composite defects in the oral and maxillofacial region using vascularized fascial flaps, such as the fibular, iliac, and temporal fascial flaps, has gained increasing attention among surgeons. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the suitability of fascial flaps as transplants, as well as their healing processes and outcomes, due to their non-mucosal nature. This study aims to comprehensively assess the biological aspects of vascularized fascial flaps at clinical, histological, and genetic levels, with the goal of providing essential biological references for their clinical application. STUDY DESIGN: This study enrolled three patients who underwent reconstruction of combined oral mucosa-mandibular defects using fibular vascularized fascial flaps between 2020 and 2023. Data regarding changes in the appearance of the fascial flaps, bulk-RNA sequencing, and histological slices of initial fascia, initial gingiva, and transformed fascia were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Within three months, the fascial flaps exhibited rapid epithelial coverage and displayed distinct characteristics resembling mucosa. High-throughput RNA sequencing analyses and histological slices revealed that the transformed fascia exhibited tissue structures similar to mucosa and demonstrated unique advantages in promoting blood vessel formation and reducing scarring through the high-level expression of relevant genes. CONCLUSION: These findings emphasize the potential and feasibility of utilizing vascularized fascial flaps for oral mucosa reconstruction, establishing their unique advantage as transplant materials, and providing significant biological information and references for their selection and clinical application.

Robot-assisted buccal mucosal graft ureteroplasty for the treatment of proximal ureteral strictures.

The authors describe their initial experience with robot-assisted buccal mucosal graft (BMG) ureteroplasty for the management of proximal ureteral strictures.

Small intestinal submucosa graft bulbar urethroplasty is a viable technique: results compared to buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty after propensity score matching.

PURPOSE: Small intestinal submucosa (SIS) graft urethroplasty has been employed to decrease buccal mucosa morbidity and facilitate the procedure. The first published series had a short follow-up, inhomogeneous patient selection, and a lack of a control group. Our purpose is to report treatment outcomes at 13 years in a propensity score-matched cohort comparing bulbar urethroplasty with SIS (SISU) or buccal mucosa (BMU). METHODS: From our institutional database of 1132 bulbar urethroplasties, we used propensity score matching with the nearest-neighbor method without replacement to generate a study sample of 25 BMU and 25 SISU. Failure was defined as any treatment after urethroplasty. Survival analyses were used to analyze treatment failure occurrence with data censored at 156mo. RESULTS: Matching resulted in a complete correction of bias between the two samples except for the follow-up duration, which was slightly longer in the SIS group. The cumulative treatment success probability of BMU and SISU at 156mo was 83.4% and 68%, respectively. At multivariable Cox regression, SIS graft, previous urethrotomy, stricture length, and lower postoperative Qmax (within 2mo after catheter removal) were predictors of failure. Stricture length had a more remarkable effect in SISU, with estimated survival probabilities from the Cox model lower than 80% in strictures > = 3 cm. CONCLUSION: SIS has poorer outcomes compared to BM but may still be useful when BM grafting is not possible. The best candidates for SISU, with similar success to BMU, are patients with strictures shorter than 3 cm, preferably without a history of DVIU.

Outcomes of Ventral Onlay Buccal Mucosal Graft Urethroplasty in Bulbomembranous Urethral Strictures Post-transurethral Resection of the Prostate.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcomes of ventral onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (VOBMGU) in bulbomembranous urethral strictures after transurethral resection of the prostate. METHODS: After approval of the institutional ethical committee, we retrospectively examined the database of patients diagnosed with post-TURP urethral stricture (PTS) and treated by VOBMGU from January 2020 to January 2022. The patients were evaluated by retrograde urethrogram and voiding cystourethrogram. Follow-up evaluation included assessment of lower urinary tract symptoms, physical examination, uroflowmetry (Q-max and International Prostate Symptom Score) 3, 6, and 12months of follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients underwent VOBMGU for bulbomembranous PTS were included. The median age of the patients was 63.5 (11.25). The median stricture length was 3.5 (1.5) cm. During follow-up, the mean Q-max significantly increased to 21.1 ± 5.5 mL/s (P < .0001), 20.1 ± 5.4 mL/s (P < .001), and 19.1 ± 5.3 mL/s (P < .003) at 3, 6, and 12months, respectively. IPSS significantly decreased to 8.93 ± 6.37 at the 12-month follow-up mark (P < .0001). Three patients developed stricture recurrence and two patients developed postoperative urinary incontinence. CONCLUSION: VOBMGU in cases of bulbomembranous urethral PTS offered excellent functional outcomes with low stricture recurrence and minimal risk of incontinence. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm the results.

A modified geometric technique to increase peri-implant keratinized mucosa.

OBJECTIVE: The free gingival graft (FGG) has been identified as the most effective method for increasing keratinized mucosa width (KMW). However, the challenge emerges in cases of extensive keratinized mucosa deficiency, where efficient utilization of the patient's limited keratinized tissue to achieve optimal results is crucial. This article introduces a modified geometric technique to address this clinical issue. CLINICAL CONSIDERATIONS: Utilizing geometric principles, the modified technique involves dividing the rectangular graft into two triangular or trapezoidal sections, which are then reassembled to form an approximate diamond shape. Through strategic cut and splice, the graft is reshaped to suit the recipient site. CONCLUSION: Preliminary observations in cases employing the modified geometric technique have increased the KMW around implants. This method enhances graft utilization and offers a viable clinical option for surgical plans aimed at widening keratinized mucosa in instances of large-area KMW deficiency. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This article proposed a modified method to increase KMW, which may be an optimal choice for patients with insufficient KMW in large area, avoiding the waste of limited graft, decreasing patient morbidity, and effectively widening keratinized mucosa.

Female Urethroplasty with a Buccal Mucosa Graft using a Supraurethral Approach.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: In the setting of recurrent female urethral stricture, urethroplasty offer the best chance of cure. However, which approach (dorsal or ventral) and which tissue (buccal mucosa, vaginal graft, vaginal flap) remain areas of controversy. In this article and accompanying video, we describe female urethroplasty with a supraurethral approach using a buccal mucosa graft. METHODS: A stricture of 3 cm in length was observed in the mid urethra. A supraurethral semi-lunar incision was made and dissection was performed up to the stricture. A dorsal urethrotomy was performed and a 3 × 2 cm oral mucosal graft was harvested from the left cheek. The mucosal graft was anastomosed to both urethral edges with running sutures. The graft was fixed to the supraurethral tissue with quilting sutures. A urethral catheter and a suprapubic catheter were left in place for 3 weeks. RESULTS: Following removal of the catheters, the patient was able to void satisfactorily with no incontinence. No complications were observed in the urethral area or at the graft harvest site. CONCLUSIONS: Buccal mucosa graft urethroplasty with a supraurethral approach is a reliable method in the treatment of female urethral stricture.

Female ventral-onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty supported with martius labial fat pad flap: early results.

PURPOSE: There is a growing interest in reconstructive urology and female urethroplasty. We aimed to report our experience in ventral-onlay buccal mucosa graft (BMG) urethroplasty supported with Martius flap (MF) in treating female urethral stricture disease. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated data of 18 female patients (ages 35-78) who were diagnosed with urethral stricture disease and underwent ventral-onlay BMG urethroplasty supported with MF by single surgeon in a tertiary referral centre between February 2019 and October 2022. Detailed history, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), pelvic examination, urine flow rate (rate and pattern), post void residual (PVR), storage and voiding phase urodynamic study, and voiding cystourethrography were recorded. At the last visit; the number of urethral dilatations before urethroplasty, time from urethral dilation to urethroplasty, hospital stay, urethral catheterization time, postoperative IPSS, PVR and uroflowmetry values were recorded. RESULTS: The presenting symptoms were obstructive voiding symptoms in 16 patients. While the mean number of urethral dilatation was 2.11 ± 1.93 (1-7), the mean time from dilatation to urethroplasty was 5.83 ± 5.00 (1-19 months) months. Maximum flow rate increased from 8.36 ± 3.26 ml/sec in preoperative uroflowmetry to 21.45 ± 5.27 ml/sec at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). Post-void residual urine (PVR) decreased from preoperative mean 116.66 ± 105.88 cc to 26.94 ± 22.69 cc postoperatively (p < 0.004). None of the patients developed stricture recurrence, incontinence or vaginal fistula until the last follow-up. The mean follow-up period was 17.28 ± 11.65 (1-35) months. CONCLUSIONS: A ventral-onlay BMG urethroplasty supported with MF represents an effective and reproducible treatment option for FUS in the present study.

Multi-Institutional Outcomes of Dorsal Onlay Buccal Mucosal Graft Urethroplasty in Patients With Postprostatectomy, Postradiation Anastomotic Stenosis.

PURPOSE: The treatment of urethral stenosis after a combination of prostatectomy and radiation therapy for prostate cancer is understudied. We evaluate the clinical and patient-related outcomes after dorsal onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty (D-BMGU) in men who underwent prostatectomy and radiation therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-institutional, retrospective review of men with vesicourethral anastomotic stenosis or bulbomembranous urethral stricture disease after radical prostatectomy and radiation therapy from 8 institutions between 2013 to 2021 was performed. The primary outcomes were stenosis recurrence and development of de novo stress urinary incontinence. Secondary outcomes were surgical complications, changes in voiding, and patient-reported satisfaction. RESULTS: Forty-five men were treated with D-BMGU for stenosis following prostatectomy and radiation. There was a total of 7 recurrences. Median follow-up in patients without recurrence was 21 months (IQR 12-24). There were no incidents of de novo incontinence, 28 patients were incontinent pre- and postoperatively, and of the 6 patients managed with suprapubic catheter preoperatively, 4 were continent after repair. Following repair, men had significant improvement in postvoid residual, uroflow, International Prostate Symptom Score, and International Prostate Symptom Score quality-of-life domain. Overall satisfaction was +2 or better in 86.6% of men on the Global Response Assessment. CONCLUSIONS: D-BMGU is a safe, feasible, and effective technique in patients with urethral stenosis after a combination of prostatectomy and radiation therapy. Although our findings suggest this technique may result in lower rates of de novo urinary incontinence compared to conventional urethral transection and excision techniques, head-to-head comparisons are needed.

Robot-Assisted Ureteroplasty with Labial Mucosal Onlay Grafting for Long Left-Sided Proximal Ureteral Stenosis in Children and Adolescents: Technical Tips and Functional Outcomes.

Purpose: To evaluate functional outcomes of robot-assisted ureteroplasty with labial mucosa grafting for long proximal ureteral stenosis (LPUS) in children and adolescents. Methods: Included in this study were 15 patients who underwent robot-assisted ureteroplasty with labial mucosal grafting in our center between July 2017 and September 2021. The left affected stenotic ureter was repaired using labial mucosal grafting. If the ureter was simply strictured but not obliterated, the ureter was spatulated longitudinally along the ventral side and the labial mucosa graft was interposed and anastomosed in a continuous manner. Faced with the obliterated segment, it was excised and the spatulated portion re-anastomosed with a pelvic flap as the dorsal wall. The labial mucosa graft was placed as the ventral wall. The preoperative clinical data and follow-up outcomes were collected and evaluated. Results: Labial mucosa graft onlay ureteroplasty was well performed in all the 15 patients with no occurrence of intraoperative complications or surgical conversion. Five patients underwent an onlay ureteroplasty, and 10 patients underwent a dorsally augmented pelvic flap anastomotic ureteroplasty. The mean (range) stricture length was 7.1 (3-10) cm. The mean operative time was 371.2 (216-480) minutes, and the median blood loss was 40 mL. At the median follow-up of 35 months (range 12-58 months), the overall success rate was 93.3%. Conclusions: Labial mucosa grafting appears to be safe and feasible for repairing long ureteral strictures in pediatric and adolescent patients. Our experience may provide beneficial references and conveniences to solve complex problems in LPUS. This study was approved by the institutional review board, and written informed consent was obtained from each participant (ethics number: 2017-30).