Role of collagen impregnated with dexamethasone and placentrix in patients with oral submucous fibrosis.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the versatility of the collagen membrane as both drug carrier and biologic dressing material to cover the raw wounds created after the surgical excision of fibrotic bands in oral submucous fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprises of ten patients. The patients of age group 20 to 50 years were selected. The collagen is reconstituted by injecting with dexamethasone and placentrix solution leaving a small overlap on to the remaining mucous membrane and the graft is sutured. Preoperative and post operative assessment was done regarding the improvement in mouth opening, decrease in burning sensation, change in colour of oral mucosa and clinically grading the extent of lesion.

RESULTS

The results were found appreciable in seven patients while in the remaining three patients it showed relapse because of inadequate physiotherapy. All the ten patients were comfortable with intra oral collagen grafting. The collagen remained moist and supple intraorally, and remained in close contact with the underlying tissues, providing a strong mechanical barrier. The material was effective in attaining haemostasis, relieving pain and preventing extensive contracture.

CONCLUSION

In this study of short duration, the nature of collagen membrane was observed as both biological dressing material and drug carrier. It was found as a very suitable alternative to the other graft material mentioned for the repair of defects in the mucous membrane created by surgical excision of fibrous bands in oral submucous fibrosis.