Cheek-Splitting Transbuccal Approaches to the Posterior Region of the Oral Cavity for Cancer Resection

Objective: The intraoral approach for resection of oral cancer in a posterior site is insufficient for exposing the entire lesion and/or allowing the surgical device to resect it cleanly. Therefore, an extraoral approach is required for safe resection of the lesion. The cheek-splitting transbuccal approach (CSTBA) technique allows the surgeon to reach the posterior side of the oral cavity. The authors propose here 2 types of CSTBAs—inferior and superior—and the application of these approaches in 7 cases. Patients and Methods: Inferior CSTBA was applied in 6 cases for marginal mandibulectomy. Superior CSTBA was applied in only one case of early cancer in the root of the tongue. Results: The tumor was resected safely in all cases. During follow-up, subsequent lymph adenopathy was detected in 2 cases. Conclusion: Two types of CSTBAs were useful for resection of oral cancer in a posterior site without compromising the integrity of the submandibular region, where lymph nodes are located.