[Evaluation of continuous curvilinear buccal-cervical incision in combined radical resection of buccal cancer].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effect of continuous curvilinear buccal-cervical incision in combined radical resection of buccal cancer. METHODS: From January 2015 to December 2018, a total of 87 patients with buccal cancer were collected, of whom 42 underwent continuous curvilinear buccal-cervical incision (experimental group) and 45 underwent conventional cervical T shaped incision combined with a buccal incision (control group). Exposure of surgical filed in two groups was evaluated. The length of incision, duration of radical resection, and the incidence of postoperative complications were compared between two groups. The patients were followed-up for 7-43 months. Modified vancouver scar scale (VSS) and University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) were used to evaluate the postoperative scar and quality of life in both groups. Statistical analysis was performed on the data using SPSS 22.0 software package. RESULTS: The length of the incision in the experimental group was (36.40±5.08) cm, which was shorter than that of the control group (39.93±5.22) cm. Duration of combined radical resection in the experimental group was shorter than that of the control group. The incidence of neck complications in the experimental group was lower than that of the control group. The postoperative scar assessment and quality of life of the experimental group were better than that of the control group. The difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of the exposure of the surgical field, postoperative recurrence and metastasis rate. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous curvilinear buccal-cervical incision has good exposure of the surgical field and shorter duration of radical resection, which ensures en bloc resection of tumor and cervical lymph nodes. It limits the formation of skin cicatrix, reduces the occurrence of postoperative complications and results in a good aesthetic and functional effect, therefore it is a recommended incision for clinical practice.