Evaluation of the efficacy of collagen membrane for mucousal defect in oral sub mucous fibrosis

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis is well diagnosed as a premalignant condition. Through this article, an attempt was tried to improve the knowledge regarding surgical management which improves the existence expectancy of patients suffering from OSMF. Materials and Methods: The study included 15 patients in the age group of 15 to 60 years with stage II, III and IVa of oral submucous fibrosis all of which underwent operation under general anesthesia to facilitate an increase in their mouth opening by excision of fibrous bands and placement of collagen membrane by the same operator. After surgery, all were given similar prescriptions for analgesics, antibiotics, and postoperative instructions. All patients were reviewed at 1st week, 2nd week, 3rd week till 6th months postoperatively. Results: In this study, the mean age of occurrence of OSMF was 2nd to 3rd decade of life with males (86.6%) more commonly affected. The preoperative mouth opening was a mean value of 16.4 mm in all patients. At the first week postoperatively, a mean mouth opening of 24.96 mm was achieved which gradually increased to a mean mouth opening of 28.16 mm at the 2nd month with the help of rigorous physiotherapy. There was a slight gradual increase of mean mouth opening at consecutive months at 29.1 mm at the follow-up period of 6th months. Conclusion: In our study, we noticed that surgical excision of fibrous bands and placement of collagen membrane provided us with satisfactory results, there was a significant increase in the mouth opening of the patients till the last follow-up month as compared to the preoperative mouth opening. However, to prove a more significant result, we need a larger sample size, as well as a longer follow-up for the establishment of the same.