Factors associated with the presence of peri-implant buccal soft tissue dehiscences: A case-control study

BACKGROUND

To identify factors associated with the presence of buccal soft tissue dehiscences (BSTD).

METHODS

This cross-sectional observational study assessed 52 cases (CAS) with a minimum of 24 months of loading, with the presence of a BSTD, defined as an exposure of the prosthetic abutment, the implant neck or the implant surface in the anterior maxillae or mandible (premolar-premolar) and 52 carefully selected controls (CON) matched for age and years in function, being the only difference between groups the BSTD. Clinical parameters and radiographic findings from periapical radiographs and Cone Beam Computed Tomographies (CBCT) were analyzed to assess their association with the occurrence of BSTD using a multivariate regression model.

RESULTS

The CAS had a mean keratinzed mucosa (KM) of 1.65 ± 1.31 mm, whereas in the CON KM was 3.27 ± 1.28 mm (P = 0.001). Probing depths were similar in both groups, whereas bleeding on probing and plaque scores were higher in the CAS (P = 0.001). Mean bone level scores in the CAS were 1.71 ± 1.04 mm, and 1.27 ± 1.01 mm in CON (P = 0.143). The first bone to implant contact at the buccal aspect was 4.85 ± 3.12 mm in CAS and 2.15 ± 3.44 mm in CON (P = 0.001). CAS were 1.48 ± 0.93 mm outside the alveolar envelope, whereas the CON were 0.46 ± 0.77 mm. Implants buccally positioned in the CBCT's were 34 times more likely to belong to the case group. The presence of >2 mm of KM at the time of evaluation, presence of adjacent natural teeth, cemented restorations and two-piece implants were protective factors.

CONCLUSION

The bucco-palatal implant position was the most relevant factor related to the presence of BSTD.

Clinicopathologic predictors of survival in buccal squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Buccal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a locoregionally aggressive malignancy, representing a small subset of oral cancers in North America. We investigated the prognostic value of several clinicopathologic factors in a cohort of patients diagnosed with buccal SCC.

METHODS

Between years 1992 and 2017, 52 patients were diagnosed with conventional buccal SCC. Archival surgical pathology material was retrospectively reviewed for reportable findings according to the latest reporting guidelines published by the College of American Pathologists. Clinical data were obtained through chart review.

RESULTS

The majority of patients were of older age, current or past smokers, and without specific gender predilection. Most presented at a clinically advanced stage and were treated with surgery alone, or surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy. The tumor recurred in about 40% of patients, and almost half of the patients died from the disease by the end of the follow-up period. The worst pattern of invasion (WPOI) was associated with greater depth of invasion (DOI) (P = .031) and perineural invasion (P < .001). In univariate analyses, older age (P = .004), positive nodal status (P = .047), lymphovascular invasion (P = .012), perineural invasion (P = .05), and WPOI-5 (P = .015) were adverse predictors of 5-year overall survival (OS). In multivariate analysis, older age (P = .011), WPOI-5 (P < .001), and perineural invasion (P = .001) remained statistically significant independent prognosticators of worse 5-year OS.

CONCLUSIONS

Older age, WPOI-5, and perineural invasion are significant prognosticators of worse OS. WPOI is associated with DOI, a finding which may have important implications for the pathogenesis and biologic behavior of the disease.

Comparison between dorsal onlay and one-sided dorsolateral onlay buccal mucosal graft urethroplasty in long anterior urethral strictures

OBJECTIVE

To compare dorsal onlay (conventional Barbagli) and one-sided dorsolateral onlay (Kulkarni technique) buccal mucosa substitution urethroplasty techniques for the treatment of long anterior urethral strictures.

METHODS

Demographic data, treatment outcomes and success rates of patients who underwent either conventional Barbagli or Kulkarni urethroplasty for the treatment of an anterior urethral stricture longer than 8 cm between January 2010 and March 2019 in our center were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS

Demographic parameters of patients who underwent the conventional Barbagli (n = 37) or Kulkarni procedure (n = 31) did not differ. The mean surgical duration and hospital stay were shorter for patients treated with the Kulkarni technique (179.5 ± 30.0 and 3.5 ± 1.2 vs 195.5 ± 28.9 min and 4.4 ± 1.8 days; P = 0.037, P = 0.002). Mean intraoperative blood loss and perioperative complication rates were signficantly lower in patients who underwent the Kulkarni technique than those who underwent the conventional Barbagli technique (164.3 ± 62.9 vs 202.4 ± 78.1 mL; P = 0.033 and 16.1% vs 37.8%; P = 0.046). The mean follow-up time period was 59.8 ± 24.7 and 63.5 ± 26.8 months for Kulkarni and conventional Barbagli techniques, respectively. Success rates based these follow-up time periods were 27 (87.1%) and 26 (70.3%) for the Kulkarni and conventional Barbagli techniques, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The Kulkarni technique should be more preferred for the treatment of long anterior urethral strictures over the conventional Barbagli technique based on surgical outcomes and success rates.

Tubularized urethral reconstruction using a prevascularized capsular tissue prelaminated with buccal mucosa graft in a rabbit model

Tubularized graft urethroplasty fails largely because of inadequate graft take. Prefabrication of buccal mucosa lined flap has theoretical indications for constructing neourethra with an independent blood supply. The efficacy of using a tissue expander capsule as an induced vascular bed to prefabricate an axial vascularized buccal mucosa-lined flap for tubularized urethral reconstruction in a rabbit model was tested. The experiments were performed in three stages. First, silicone tissue expanders were inserted into the groin to induce vascularized capsule pouch formation. Next, buccal mucosa grafts were transplanted to the newly formed capsular tissue supplied by the axial vessel for buccal mucosa-lined flap prefabrication. Then, circumferential urethral defects were created and repaired by buccal mucosa graft (Group 1), capsule flap (Group 2) and prefabricated capsule buccal mucosa composite flap (Group 3). With retrograde urethrography, no rabbits in Group 1 maintained a wide urethral caliber. In Group 2, the discontinued epithelial layer regenerated at 1 month, and the constructed neourethra narrowed even though the lumen surface formed intact urothelial cells at 3 months. In Group 3, buccal mucosa formed the lining in the neourethra and kept a wide urethral caliber for 3 months. The capsule may serve as an induced vascular bed for buccal mucosa-lined flap prefabrication. The prefabricated buccal mucosa-lined flap may serve as a neourethra flap for circumferential urethral replacement.

Diverticular Pouch of the Buccal Mucosa: A Rare Case Report

Diverticular pouch in the oral cavity is a rare disease, and its etiology is unclear. The authors present a rare case of diverticular pouch in the buccal mucosa. A 79-year-old man visited our hospital with a chief complaint of food impaction in the right buccal mucosa. Intraoral examination revealed a pouch just inferior to the parotid papilla. Histopathological examination after excisional biopsy showed that the epithelial cells lining the pouch were continuous with the mucous membrane and a diagnosis was made of diverticular pouch of the buccal mucosa. Twenty-five months after the patient's initial visit no recurrence has been noted. Further clinico-pathological studies are required to understand diverticular disease in the buccal mucosa. This case might help dentists to become more aware of these lesions and collect data for further investigations.

An Unusual Granular Ulcer Secondary Oral Tuberculosis of Vestibule Mandibular Mucosa

Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the oral cavity, clinical manifestations are considered atypical lesions. The aim of this study was to report an unusual granular ulcer secondary oral TB that does not heal, chronic, had irregular appearance with deep depression of 2 cm in diameter, and was located in buccal mucosa of the premolar area-the left mandibular arch, of a 42-year-old woman. The patient was subjected to surgical excision of ulcer in its entirety and accordingly a periodontal plastic surgery in the area of the lesion was performed positioning an autograft subepithelial connective tissue. We obtained optimal results in improving oral health, function, and patient's comfort, in postoperative controls at 15, 30, and 60 days, respectively.

Oral liposarcoma in elderly: Case report and literature analysis

RATIONALE

Oral liposarcoma is an extremely rare lesion that is often clinically misdiagnosed as a benign lesion because of its asymptomatic and indolent clinical course. we report a case of atypical lipomatous tumor/well-differentiated liposarcoma (ALT/WDL) of buccal mucosa, provisionally diagnosed as lipoma.

PATIENT CONCERNS

A 97-year-old female was referred to dentistry and oral surgery department with an asymptomatic mass on the right buccal mucosa which had been present for an unknown period of time.

DIAGNOSIS

Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a well-circumscribed lesion at the right buccal mucosa, and a lipoma was suspected.

INTERVENTIONS

Surgical removal was performed, and a diagnosis of ALT/WDL was made. She and her family refused additional treatment due to her age.

OUTCOMES

At the 10 months follow-up, the patient remained free of disease.

LESSONS

The indolent clinical course and small size of oral liposarcoma can lead to provisional clinical diagnosis of benign lesion.

[Comparative histological analysis of different materials used for urethroplasty in children with proximal forms of hypospadias: preputial skin vs buccal mucosa]

AIM

Buccal mucosa and preputial skin grafts are used for staged urethroplasty in proximal forms of hypospadias in children. Aim of our study was to carry out a comparative histological analysis of preputial skin and buccal mucosa.

METHOD

s and materials: Histological analysis of urethral tissue samples from 10 patients with proximal forms of hypospadias was conducted. All patients were treated with staged Brackas technique using free grafts at the Russian Childrens Clinical Hospital from 2013 to 2016. Patients were divided into two groups. In Group I (n=5), preputial skin graft was used for urethroplasty, while in Group II (n=5) buccal mucosa was taken. A histological study of both materials with comparison to a native urethra was performed.

RESULTS

In Group I, the histological analysis showed keratinizing multilayered squamous epithelium, large number of dilated sweat and sebaceous glands with signs of inflammation, and hair follicles. In Group II, histological analysis revealed the presence of the typical structure for mucosal tissue, including multilayered flat non-keratinizing epithelium, as well as full absence of sweat, sebaceous glands, and hair follicles.

CONCLUSION

comparative histological analysis of neourethra has shown the absence of sweat and sebaceous glands, hair follicles, and areas of chronic inflammation in buccal mucosa vs preputial skin, showing that buccal mucosa is more similar to native urethra. Therefore, buccal mucosa is favored as the material for urethroplasty.

Antimicrobial effects of a stannous fluoride toothpaste in distinct oral microenvironments

BACKGROUND

Clinical research has shown a relationship between microbial accumulations and oral diseases such as gingivitis and caries. The mouth harbors large densities of bacteria in distinct oral microenvironments, that is, dental plaque on teeth, saliva, and soft tissues such as the tongue, cheek, and gingiva. In this home-use study, the authors compared the effects of brushing with a newly formulated stannous fluoride toothpaste and a sodium monofluorophosphate dentifrice on bacteria of distinct oral microenvironments.

METHODS

Adult participants completed a washout phase before baseline sampling of dental plaque, saliva, and scrapings from tongue, cheek, and gingiva, which were used for microbiological analysis. Treatments were randomly assigned: test (62 participants) and control (67 participants) for twice-daily toothbrushing over 8 weeks. After 4 weeks and 8 weeks, posttreatment samples 12 hours after brushing were collected for analysis. At these posttreatment visits, participants brushed in the dental clinic, and an additional sample was collected 4 hours later for microbiological analysis.

RESULTS

Relative to the control, 12 hours after brushing, the test toothpaste showed greater reductions of bacteria (ranging from 14% to 27%) at the 4-week evaluation, which increased to 27% to 41% after 8 weeks of brushing. Correspondingly, 4 hours after brushing with the test toothpaste at the 4-week evaluation, there were greater reductions of bacteria in the range of 22% to 59%, which increased to a range of 33% to 61% at the 8-week assessment for participants completing the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The stannous fluoride toothpaste provided bacterial reductions in all oral microenvironments 12 hours after brushing. In addition, the authors observed microbial reductions 4 hours after brushing, which increased after extended use.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS

The results are appropriate for oral hygiene recommendations by dental professionals.

Side differences in the degree of mosaicism of the buccal mucosa in Turner syndrome

Background

The aim was to investigate if there were any differences in the degree of mosaicism between the left‐ and right‐hand sides of the buccal mucosa in women with Turner syndrome.

Methods

Buccal smears were taken on the left‐ and right‐hand sides at the same time for genetic analyses with fluorescence in situ hybridization in women with Turner syndrome, n = 20; 10 with and 10 without mosaicism based on the blood karyotype, and one control. A difference in the degree of mosaicism ≥5% between the sides was considered as an actual difference and <5% as equivalent.

Results

Of 20, 10 (50%) had ≥ 5% difference in the degree of mosaicism between the left‐ and right‐hand sides of the buccal mucosa. The mean difference was 9.1% and the median was 4.5%, range 1%–38%. The control with ordinary female karyotype had no side difference.

Conclusion

There was an intraorganic mosaicism of the buccal mucosa with a side difference in the degree of mosaicism of up to 38% in women with Turner syndrome. When mosaicism is strongly suspected, but not confirmed by the blood karyotype, it is recommended that buccal smears from both sides of the oral cavity should be analyzed.

Pleomorphic Adenoma of the Cheek: A Case Report

Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) is the most common benign tumor affecting both major and minor salivary glands. Parotid gland is the most commonly affected major salivary gland. Among minor salivary glands, palate is the most commonly affected site followed by lips, cheeks, gingiva, floor of the mouth, and tongue. PA of buccal minor salivary glands is a very rare occurrence both in adults and children. In this report, we present a case of PA of buccal minor salivary gland in an adult patient who was successfully treated by wide local surgical excision, and after a follow-up period of one year there was no recurrence. A review of literature of PA of cheek is also presented.

Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Left Buccal Alveolar Ridge

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity accounts for 4% of malignancies in men and 2% of malignancies in women, and is responsible for 3% of all cancer deaths. Cancers of the gingiva often escape early detection and lead to a delay in intervention, since their signs and symptoms resemble common dental and periodontal infections. Here we present a case of a 55-year-old female patient who presented to our clinic with a left lower gingival mass for two weeks. Based on the clinical presentation, and possible differential diagnosis, this case highlights the importance of timely intervention and management. 

Classification of facial peri-implant soft tissue dehiscence/deficiencies at single implant sites in the esthetic zone

BACKGROUND

The incidence of a peri-implant soft tissue dehiscence/deficiency (PSTD) is not a rare finding. Despite multiple previous attempts aimed at correcting the PSTDs, a classification of these conditions has not yet been proposed. This lack in the literature may also lead to discrepancies in the reported treatment outcomes and thus misinform the clinician or the readers. The aim of the present article was therefore to present a classification of peri-implant PSTD at a single implant site.

METHODS

Four classes of PSTDs were discussed based on the position of the gingival margin of the implant-supported crown in relation to the homologous natural tooth. In addition, the bucco-lingual position of the implant head was also taken into consideration. Each class was further subdivided based on the height of the anatomical papillae.

RESULTS

Subsequently, for each respective category a surgical approach (including bilaminar techniques, the combined prosthetic-surgical approach or soft tissue augmentation with a submerged healing) was also suggested.

CONCLUSION

This paper provides a new classification system for describing PSTDs at single implant sites, with the appropriate recommended treatment protocol.

The Effect of Hookah Use on Buccal Mucosa: Evaluation of Repair Index

Background and aim:

Cigarettes, hookah, and tobacco are the most important etiologic factors for oral cancers and dysplastic lesions. This study was undertaken to determine the correlation between hookah use and the percentage of cells with micronucleus, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, and broken egg in the buccal mucosa; and secondly to compare hookah user and non-user in terms of repair index.

Materials and methods:

The present historical cohort study was carried out on 72 samples taken from 36 hookah users and 36 control subjects. Smear samples were obtained from participants’ buccal mucosa for cytological evaluation using Papanicolaou technique. Then, the percentages of cells with micronucleus, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, and broken egg were recorded and the repair index was calculated. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test.

Results:

A total of 72 samples taken from 36 hookah users and 36 control subjects were evaluated. The means of micronucleus scores in the buccal mucosa cells of hookah users and controls were 10.7±2.6 and 5.8±2.0, the karyorrhexis scores in the hookah users and controls were 0.1±0.06 and 0.04±0.06, and the karyolysis scores in hookah users and controls were 0.16±0.05 and 0.08±0.06, respectively. These differences were statistically significant between hookah users and controls (P<0.001). The broken egg score was 0.66±0.07 for the hookah users and 0.03±0.04 for the control group, revealing a statistically significant difference (P<0.036). Finally, the repair index values were 0.03±0.01 and 0.05±0.13 in hookah users and controls, respectively. This difference was also significant (P<0.026).

Conclusion:

The percentages of cells with micronucleus, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, and broken egg in the buccal mucosa of hookah users were significantly higher than those in control group; in addition, the repair index of the buccal mucosa cells in hookah users was significantly lower than that in the control group.

Oral epithelial membrane-associated mucins and transcriptional changes with Sjögren's syndrome

OBJECTIVES

To determine expression and localization of membrane-associated mucins within human keratinized and non-keratinized oral epithelia, and to explore transcriptional changes associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Mucin transcripts and glycoproteins were determined by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively, in oral keratinized (hard palate) and non-keratinized (buccal) epithelia obtained from three cadavers. Mucin transcripts assessed by quantitative PCR were compared between cells harvested by brushing buccal and palatal epithelia of 25 female primary Sjögren's syndrome patients vs 25 healthy age-matched female control subjects.

RESULTS

In hard palate, MUC4 is absent and MUC1 localized to deeper cell layers. Both mucins are within the apical layers of buccal epithelium. MUC15 is localized throughout all palatal cell layers and in all but the basal layer of buccal epithelia. MUC16, MUC20, and MUC21 glycoproteins are localized within all but the basal cell layer of both tissue types. In buccal cells of primary Sjögren's patients, MUC21 transcripts are down-regulated 3.4-fold and MUC20 2.6-fold. Dysregulation of select epithelial mucins may therefore contribute to xerostomia.

CONCLUSIONS

Differential expression of multiple mucins and down-regulation in Sjögren's syndrome support further study of oral epithelial mucin physiology and pathophysiology, including their functions in hydration and lubrication of the oral mucosal pellicle.

Bilateral squamous cell carcinoma of buccal mucosa in a young adult man: A case presentation with review of literature

The control of oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is difficult even after treatment because it has a tendency to multiple primary carcinomas. The incidence of second primary neoplasm in the head and neck region cannot be forecasted reliably. The purpose of this report is to describe the clinicopathological characteristics of a unique case of bilateral buccal mucosal SCC in a 35-year-old male and to determine whether any associated risk factors are present.

Quantitative Clonal Analysis and Single-Cell Transcriptomics Reveal Division Kinetics, Hierarchy, and Fate of Oral Epithelial Progenitor Cells

The oral mucosa is one of the most rapidly dividing tissues in the body and serves as a barrier to physical and chemical insults from mastication, food, and microorganisms. Breakdown of this barrier can lead to significant morbidity and potentially life-threatening infections for patients. Determining the identity and organization of oral epithelial progenitor cells (OEPCs) is therefore paramount to understanding their roles in homeostasis and disease. Using lineage tracing and label retention experiments, we show that rapidly dividing OEPCs are located broadly within the basal layer of the mucosa throughout the oral cavity. Quantitative clonal analysis demonstrated that OEPCs undergo population-asymmetrical divisions following neutral drift dynamics and that they respond to chemotherapy-induced damage by altering daughter cell fates. Finally, using single-cell RNA-seq, we establish the basal layer population structure and propose a model that defines the organization of cells within the basal layer.

Midline Incision of a Graft in Staged Hypospadias Repair-Feasible and Durable?

Purpose: In severe hypospadias staged repair is commonly used and it is regarded as feasible, safe, and durable. In this article we want to describe the results of a modification of the staged repair: a midline incision of the graft during the second stage. Materials and Methods: This is a consecutive single team (2 surgeons) retrospective series. Between 2014 and 2017, 250 patients underwent hypospadias repair, among them 35 patients that had primary staged hypospadias surgery with completed first and second stage repair. 24 (68.6%) cases received a preputial skin graft and 11 (31.4%) buccal mucosa graft. Median age at first stage was 1.5 (0.5-22.1) years, mean time between first and second stage operation was 0.72 (0.4-1.76) years. Follow up rate was 100%, mean follow up period was 1.50 (0.4-3.8) years. Results: The total complication rate was 22.9%. In buccal mucosa repair the complication rate was 36.4% and in preputial graft repair the complication rate was 16.7%, respectively. In 23 patients (65.7%) during second stage urethroplasty a midline incision was performed (8 glandular graft, 15 penile graft, 6 at level of urethral opening). Complication rate in non-incised urethroplasty was 8.3%, in incision at glandular level 37.5%, in incision at penile level 13.3% and in incision at urethral opening 16.7%, respectively. Conclusions: Two stage repair is the method of choice in the correction of severe hypospadias. In selected cases a midline incision of the graft is feasible and can be applied if needed. Randomized studies will be needed to evaluate the true benefit of incising the graft.

Tooth and Advanced Oral Submucous Fibrosis Obscuring Buccal Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Oral squamous cell carcinoma is a leading cause of mortality due to late diagnosis in India and most other developing countries. Buccal squamous cell carcinoma is almost always preceded by premalignant conditions that include leukoplakia, erythroplakia, oral lichen planus, and submucous fibrosis of the oral cavity. Hence, these patients warrant regular screening by oral health care professionals and proper monitoring for any dysplastic changes. Implementing social awareness about early signs and symptoms, as well as education on self-oral screening methods so as to avoid the risk of late presentation of oral squamous cell carcinoma, should be made mandatory for such individuals to prevent further complications.

[Surgical technique and the first clinical experience of augmentation urethroplasty without dividing of corpus spongiosum (KODAMA technique)]

AIM

In case of complex and long urethral stricture a use of augmentation technique is often limited by "critically" narrowing of urethral plate. In such cases, the augmentation anastomotic urethroplasty without division of the corpus spongiosum can be the method of choice, because it allows to perform simultaneous augmentation urethroplasty with maximal sparing of antegrade blood flow in corpus spongiosum.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In urologic clinic of N.I. Pirogov City Clinical Hospital No1 the analysis of 17 patients who were undergone to augmentation anastomotic urethroplasty without division of the corpus spongiosum (Kodama technique), performed by single surgeon from 2013 to 2017 yy was done. The meant stricture length was 3.75 cm (2-6). Penile, bulbar and panurethral stricture was found in 6 (35.3%), 7 (41.2%) and 4 (23.5%) cases, respectively.

RESULTS

Technique efficiency was 88.2% and in 2 patients (11.8%) a stricture recurrence developed. The mean maximum flow rate before and after surgery were 5.4 and 23.1 ml/s, respectively (p<0.05). The mean catheterization time was 14 (7-30) days. There were no patients with de novo urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.

CONCLUSION

The initial results of augmentation anastomotic urethroplasty without division of the corpus spongiosum showed high efficiency. To our opinion, the antegrade blood flow sparing makes it the method of choice in patients with long non-traumatic urethral stricture (without severe spongiofibrosis), good preoperative erectile function but isolated length of "critically" narrowing of the urethral lumen.

Buccal epithelium Expanded and Encapsulated in Scaffold-Hybrid Approach to Urethral Stricture (BEES-HAUS) procedure: A novel cell therapy-based pilot study

Objectives

To describe the feasibility of a novel cell‐based endoscopic technique using buccal epithelium, expanded and encapsulated in a thermoreversible gelation polymer scaffold for the treatment of urethral stricture.

Methods

Six male patients with bulbar urethral stricture ranging from 2.0 to 3.5 cm in length were included in this pilot study. Autologous buccal epithelial cells from a small buccal mucosal biopsy were isolated, cultured and encapsulated in thermoreversible gelation polymer scaffold, and were implanted at the stricture site after a wide endoscopic urethrotomy.

Results

All the patients voided well, with a mean peak flow rate of 24 mL/s. Urethroscopy carried out at 6 months showed healthy mucosa at the urethrotomy site. However, two of the six patients had recurrence at 18 and 24 months, respectively.

Conclusions

This endoscopic‐based Buccal epithelium Expanded and Encapsulated in Scaffold‐Hybrid Approach to Urethral Stricture (BEES‐HAUS) technique is a promising alternative for the open substitution buccal graft urethroplasty. It is possible to achieve the benefits of open substitution buccal urethroplasty with this endoscopic technique.

Oral diverticulum

Oral diverticulum .

New Insights on the Mechanism of Fatty Acids as Buccal Permeation Enhancers

Buccal mucosa has recently received much attention as a potential route for systemic delivery of drugs, including biologics and vaccines. The aim of this work was to gain insight into the mechanism of fatty acids as buccal permeation enhancers, by studying the effect of a series of medium and long chain fatty acids on the permeation of a model high molecular weight and hydrophilic molecule, fluorescein isothiocyanate labelled dextran (FD-4, m.w. 4 kDa) across porcine esophageal epithelium. A parabolic relationship between fatty acid lipophilicity and enhancement was obtained, regardless of the presence and number of double bonds. The relationship, which resembles the well-known relationship between permeability and lipophilicity of transdermal delivery, presents a maximum value in correspondence of C10 (logP approx. 4). This is probably the ideal lipophilicity for the fatty acid to interact with the lipid domains of the mucosa. When the same analysis was performed on skin data, the same trend was observed, although the maximum value was reached for C12 (logP approx. 5), in agreement with the higher lipophilicity of the skin. The results obtained in the present work represent a significant advancement in the understanding of the mechanisms of action of fatty acids as buccal penetration enhancers.

Dose coverage comparison between "interstitial catheter-only" and "hybrid intracavitary-interstitial brachytherapy" for early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa

PURPOSE

When squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa (BSCC) extends surrounding anatomical sites such as gingiva, retromolar triangle, or hard palate, it might be challenging to ensure adequate tumor coverage by sole interstitial brachytherapy due to the complexity of catheter implantation. By combining interstitial catheters with an enoral placed, individually assembled "oral spacer plus embedded catheters" device (hybrid of intracavitary-interstitial brachytherapy), it should be easier to deliver the necessary tumoricidal dose to irregular-shaped tumor volumes (clinical target volume - CTV) with improved conformity. The purpose of this analysis was to compare the dose distribution created by the hybrid of intracavitary-interstitial brachytherapy (HBT) with the dose distribution of an interstitial catheter only-approach, based on the interstitial catheters used for HBT (ISBT-only) by evaluating respective treatment plans (HBT plan vs. ISBT-only plan) for the treatment of early stage BSCC.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed for patients with localized BSCC treated between April 2013 and October 2017. All patients received sole HBT without additional external beam radiation therapy or planned neck dissection. Dosimetric parameters taken into account for comparison between actual HBT and virtual ISBT-only were CTV D90, CTV V100, CTV V150, CTV V200, mandible D2cc, and mucosal surface D2cc.

RESULTS

Dosimetrically, HBT showed a trend toward better CTV D90 compared to ISBT-only. In addition, HBT demonstrated statistically better CTV V100 coverage compared to ISBT-only. There was no statistically significant difference with respect to CTV V150, CTV V200, and mucosal surface D2cc, while a trend was seen in better mandible D0.1cc between HBT and ISBT-only.

CONCLUSIONS

The HBT approach appears to enable improved dose coverage of irregular-shaped enoral tumor volumes compared to ISBT-only for patients with early stage BSCC.