Unlocking the Trismus Lock of Oral Submucosal Fibrosis with the Novel Key of Coblation at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Case Series

Aim: Oral submucosal fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic inflammatory and precancerous condition predominantly seen in South Asian countries, usually presenting with chronic symptoms, malnutrition, reduced quality of life, and undiagnosed oral malignancies.We present a series of 10 such cases that have severe trismus for over 15 years and were not taking solid food, affecting their quality of life.No definitive treatment is available at present.Coblation-assisted fibrous band release was the treatment modality applied to all the cases to assess if sufficient mouth opening was obtained to improve their diet and to start treatment for incidental diagnosis of malignancy.Materials and methods: Our case series discusses their clinical presentation, investigations, and surgical outcomes and incidental findings of oral malignancies at various stages with follow-up and their improvement.Coblation-assisted fibrous band release is the surgical technique used in all 10 cases of oral submucosal fibrosis with immediate successful outcomes, associated with minimal or no side effects.Results: All 10 cases have an average 24 mm mouth opening and more.This improvement has drastically improved their dietary habits and to undertake treatment for oral malignancies. Conclusion:The scope of immediate relief in mouth opening with the technique of coblation-assisted fibrous band release with minimal to no side effects is believed to benefit large number of people with the condition.Clinical significance: Coblation-assisted fibrous band release is a new modality of treatment with a short learning curve for surgeons.A reticulate pattern of band release assures minimal bleeding and faster recovery for the patients.With a vast majority of cases seen in South Asia, the treatment modality can become a common procedure in the institution with maximum benefit.Patients can undertake oral malignancy treatment at the earliest.