Comparison of a minimal invasive technique micro-marsupialization versus surgical excision for mucocele of lower lip.

Abstract

Objective: To compare the efficacy of micro-marsupialization with surgical excision for the treatment of mucoceles originating from the minor salivary glands of the lower lip. Our primary endpoints were the mean procedural time and the duration of post-operative healing. Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). Setting: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faisalabad Medical University, Faisalabad. Period: 1^st July 2022 to 31^th Dec 2022. Material & Methods: We enrolled a total of 60 patients, with 30 in each group (Group X: micro-marsupialization, Group Y: surgical excision). Random allocation was performed using a lottery method. Procedural time (in minutes) and post-operative healing duration (in days) were recorded for both groups, with follow-up assessments conducted over a 3-month period. Results: The study comprised 60 patients (40 males and 20 females) with a mean age of 34.60±10.15 years in Group X and 36.03±9.25 years in Group Y. In Group X, the mean surgical time was 6.23±0.935 minutes, while in Group Y, it was 34.70±2.493 minutes. A statistically significant difference in surgical time was observed between the two groups (p 0.0001). Regarding post-operative healing, Group X had a mean duration of 4.67±0.844 days, while Group Y had a mean duration of 6.57±0.504 days. A statistically significant difference was also noted in post-operative healing duration between the two groups (p 0.008). Conclusion: This study underscores the superiority of micro-marsupialization over surgical excision as a treatment option for mucoceles originating from the minor salivary glands of the lower lip. Micro-marsupialization offers several advantages, including significantly shorter procedural times and faster post-operative healing periods.