Intra-oral Drainage of Submandibular Abscess: A Minimally Invasive Technique. A Prospective Study.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy of intraoral drainage of isolated submandibular space abscess as a minimally invasive surgical technique compared to the standard trans-cervical approach.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study included 40 subjects with isolated submandibular space abscesses. They were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: trans-cervical surgical drainage (group A) and intra-oral surgical drainage (group B). The included data were demographics, repeated surgery requirement, postsurgical hospitalization duration, formation of scar, and complications.

RESULTS

Intraoral drainage (Group B) reduced the mean operative time by 15.25 min (P < 0.001) compared with trans-cervical incision (Group A). No considerable difference was found between the 2 groups in regarding hospitalization postoperatively. No weakness in marginal mandibular nerve was found in both groups. Three patients only have a cervical scar in a group (B) who required external drainage due to recollection. No recurrence was detected in a group (A).

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrated that isolated submandibular abscesses can be successfully managed with an intraoral drainage modality, and it is a better option than the trans-cervical approach regarding better cosmetic outcome and shorter operative time.