SURGICAL SUCCESS OF OVINE FORESTOMACH MATRIX IN THE MANAGEMENT OF PLEOMORPHIC ADENOMA OF HARD PALATE -CASE REPORT

Pleomorphic adenoma is one of the common benign salivary gland tumors, occurring in the hard palate due to a high density of minor salivary glands in this region. Surgical excision remains the mainstay of management; however, defect site reconstruction following tumor excision poses a considerable challenge. The current case report presents the first known use of the ovine forestomach matrix (OFM) for reconstructing the huge defect post excision. A 40- year-old patient male presented with a progressively enlarging, painless swelling in the hard palate. Clinical examination revealed a well-demarcated, fluctuant, non-tender lesion, crossing the midline, with a provisional diagnosis of mucocele. Surgical excision was performed with wide margins to prevent risk of recurrence. The OFM was employed as a biologic scaffold to facilitate wound healing and tissue regeneration. The patient demonstrated exceptional healing with full mucosal coverage and no signs of infection or necrosis at the nine-month follow-up. The successful integration of OFM in this case underscores its potential as a novel alternative adjuvant for reconstructing oral and maxillofacial defects. This case sets a precedent encouraging further research to elucidate its long-term efficacy and expand its application in maxillofacial surgical interventions.