Modified Lip Split Incision To Approach The Posterolateral Tongue: A Case Report

Introduction: The lower lip-split incision was first described by Roux in the mid 19th century and was later modified by Trotter and Konig. This incision has been widely used in the field of head and neck oncology surgeries for accessing intraoral tumours along with its extension in neck dissection when combined with mandibulectomy or mandibulotomy. Over the years, this incision has been modified to improve the aesthetic outcomes especially focussing on the chin pad contouring and postoperative scarring. Case Report: We report a case of moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the right lateral side of tongue in a 60year old female patient who underwent hemiglossectomy, the surgical approach being the mainstay to deliver the tumour in toto with sufficient clear margins. We have also discussed the lip split incision technique for adequate exposure of the posterolateral tongue to ease in delivering the tumour. Patient recovered uneventfully and was discharged after 6 days following the surgery. Conclusion: In our experience modified lip splitting incision used here is ideal to approach the posterolateral tongue carcinomas and also help in rapid recovery from this type of mutilating surgeries.