(0522) Oral Cavity Reconstruction Using Biodegradable Matrix NovoSorb®

Introduction: Reconstruction for superficial oral cavity mucosal defects commonly involves split-thickness skin graft (STSG), however, efficacy becomes unfavorable when used in sites involving bone, tendon, or tumor excision due to lack of vascularization and decreased likelihood of graft adherence. Dermal substitutes serve as a promising solution for reconstructing complex oral surgical wounds that are poor candidates for STSG. The objective was to explore clinical outcomes of patients who underwent oral cavity reconstruction with NovoSorb® Biodegradable Temporising Matrix (BTM) (PolyNovo, Carlsbad, CA).

Methods: Patients with oral cavity postsurgical resection defects reconstructed with NovoSorb® at a single academic institution were included. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed for patient demographics, defect location, healing time, and complications.

Results: In total, 7 patients (85.7% female, average age 55.6) underwent NovoSorb® reconstruction of post-ablative oral cavity defects in specific locations including lateral or ventral tongue, floor of mouth (FOM), and buccal mucosa. Reconstruction was performed after resection of squamous cell carcinoma (n = 4, 57.1%), ameloblastoma (n = 1, 14.3%), osteosarcoma (n = 1, 14.3%), and adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 1, 14.3%). NovoSorb® was secured using sutures. Average time to healing was 56.4 ± 22.7 days. Two patients experienced scarring and 1 experienced partial adhesion of tongue to FOM after NovoSorb® placement. Otherwise, reconstructed sites were similar in appearance and texture to surrounding native tissue.

Conclusions: Based on promising patient outcomes, NovoSorb® can serve as a viable alternative to current standard oral reconstructive options, particularly for medium to large defects of the oral cavity.