Cancrum oris: principles of management and reconstructive surgery

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Pediatric Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Cancrum oris (noma) is a severe necrotizing disease primarily affecting children in resource-limited settings.
• It leads to significant facial disfigurement and functional impairment, including ankylosis.
• The incidence and management challenges in Nigerian populations require updated understanding.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a survey of 140 Nigerian African cases of cancrum oris.
• To describe the clinical features, management issues, and reconstructive surgical techniques for facial defects.
• To suggest preventive strategies to reduce the disease incidence.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective survey of 140 patients diagnosed with cancrum oris.
• Clinical feature analysis, including age, affected areas, and complications like ankylosis.
• Review of anesthetic methods and surgical correction techniques for ankylosis and facial defects.

Main Results:

• The study involved 140 Nigerian African patients, predominantly children under 10 years old.
• Full-thickness cheek involvement was the most common presentation.
• A high incidence of ankylosis was observed, necessitating specific anesthetic and surgical interventions.

Conclusions:

• The number of patients seeking reconstruction for cancrum oris-related facial defects is increasing.
• Effective management requires addressing clinical features, ankylosis, and employing modern reconstructive approaches.
• Preventive measures are crucial to mitigate the incidence of this devastating disease.