Palatal Stent Following Tumor Ablative Surgery

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Prosthodontics

Background:

• Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is a common salivary gland malignancy.
• Surgical resection can lead to significant postsurgical morbidity, impacting speech, feeding, and quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a successful case of postsurgical rehabilitation for palatal mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
• To demonstrate the efficacy of a custom palatal stent in improving patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A 32-year-old patient underwent ablative surgery for palatal mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
• A custom-fabricated palatal stent was designed to cover the palate and teeth, providing protection and sealing of the surgical site.
• The device was created in a single session.

Main Results:

• The palatal stent effectively protected the surgical wound, ensuring comfort and restoring functionality.
• The patient experienced significant improvements in speech and feeding post-surgery.
• The device contributed to a higher quality of life during the postoperative period.

Conclusions:

• A custom palatal stent is a simple, low-cost, and effective solution for postsurgical rehabilitation in oncology patients.
• This approach can significantly reduce postoperative morbidity and improve functional outcomes.
• The technique is applicable to a diverse range of patients requiring palatal wound protection.