Media Labio-Mandibular Glossotomy (MLG) in Oropharyngeal Tumor Excision: The Experience of a Tertiary Care Center in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

Background: Surgical management of oropharyngeal lesions are usually challenging for head and neck surgeons due to poor access and particularly in large tumors where the need for uneventful tumor delivery and haemostasis cannot be met due to tumor inaccessibility. However, median labio-mandibular glossotomy (MLG) is a viable option to access these lesions in all sections. This study highlighted the benefits of the MLG approach in providing surgical access to oropharyngeal tumors with respect to haemostasis and ease of tumor extirpation.

Aim: To review the management of 14 oropharyngeal tumors excised via MLG in a Nigerian maxillofacial centre and show the benefits and outcome of this surgical approach with emphasis on ease of access and haemostasis in the tumors managed.

Methods: This is a 5 year (January 2011 - December 2015) retrospective analysis of 14 patients with oropharyngeal tumors whose management required an MLG.

Results: Nine male and five female patients aged 12-55 years were successfully managed during the study period. The patients were followed up between two and five years and there was no evidence of recurrence in all the patients managed.

Conclusion: MLG provided sufficient exposure for en-bloc excision of oropharyngeal lesions measuring up to 12 cm in its widest diameter. Easy tumor delivery and satisfactory control of haemorrhage makes the procedure excellent. Moreover, no specialized equipment was necessary, making it suitable in poorly resourced head/ neck and maxillofacial facilities.