THE ROLE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF MYRIAD MATRIX SOFT TISSUE BIO-SCAFFOLD IN ORAL CAVITY TISSUE RECONSTRUCTION POST -CANCER SURGERY-CASE SERIES

Reconstruction of the soft tissue defects post cancer surgery remains a significant clinical challenge due to the hostile environment of the oral cavity, characterised by polymicrobial colonization, constant movement and presence of high moisture levels persistently. Conventional techniques like the split-thickness grafts and pedicled grafts have been widely used. However, they entail donor site morbidity, prolonged surgical time and variable esthetic and functional outcomes. The Myriad matrix, a decellularized ovine forestomach matrix (OFM), represents a novel biologically active scaffold that supports rapid tissue integration, angiogenesis, and epithelialization. This case series presents two patients with histopathologically confirmed oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) involving the right buccal mucosa and the lateral aspect of the tongue. Both the patients underwent oncologic resection, followed by soft tissue reconstruction using the Myriad matrix soft tissue bio-scaffold. In both the cases, the matrix contributed a stable scaffold for closure, eliminated the need for autologous tissue harvesting, and allowed for complete mucosalization of the defect site. Postoperative follow-up revealed excellent healing, with no evidence of graft- related complications. Functional recovery, including speech, deglutition, and tongue mobility, was well re- established. These findings emphasize the clinical advantages of OFM in oral tissue reconstruction, highlighting its reliability, ease of use, and regenerative potential. The Myriad matrix may thus serve as a valuable alternative in reconstructive strategies, particularly in resource-limited surgical settings.