Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology | 2019
Functional outcomes after glossectomies: Pilot study on use of a thrombin-fibrinogen biosponge (TachoSil).
Abstract
OBJECTIVE\nThe aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of a thrombin-fibrinogen biosponge (TachoSil) has any advantage in tongue healing.\n\n\nSTUDY DESIGN\nA retrospective study with 30 patients treated with partial glossectomy (below half a tongue) was designed. We compared the results from a group using the biosponge (n =15 patients) and a control group (n\u202f=\u202f15). Variables taken into consideration were bolus clearance, frenulum flexibility, and oral transit time. With these parameters, we formulated a tongue remaining functional (TRF) scale to assess tongue functionality after the surgery. We also evaluated long-term quality of life by using the Functional Intraoral Glasgow Scale (FIGS).\n\n\nRESULTS\nIn this study, TRF score, bolus clearance, oral transit time, and frenulum flexibility were significantly improved in the biosponge group. However, there were no differences between the 2 groups in the FIGS scores.\n\n\nCONCLUSIONS\nThe use of the biosponge in this pilot study showed positive long-term effects in lingual healing and functionality after partial glossectomies.