The Application of the NOSES System to Treat Cheek Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract

Purpose: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the most common types of cancer in the head and neck. Squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa is an important part of it. The traditional surgical method leads to great injury and is accompanied by unacceptable scars. Previous improvements have been carried out in a single part. Natural orifice specimen extraction surgery (NOSES) system could perform “scarless surgery” and reduce complications. This technique was usually used for transvaginal or transanal specimen retrieval. There is great potential for oral and maxillofacial applications, especially in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery. We combine the 2 to achieve better surgical results. Methods: The authors applied the NOSES system in the radical operation of buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma. Through FACE-LIFT incision, with the help of indocyanine green (ICG) and microscope, they successfully cured buccal mucosa squamous cell carcinoma. Results: The patient was cured, and there was no recurrence after 1 year of follow-up. The incision is hidden, and the damage is small. The number of harvested lymph nodes in the pathologic examination was 1/18. Conclusions: The application of the NOSES system in maxillofacial surgery has very obvious advantages. The surgical procedures follow the principles of aseptic and tumor-free techniques, making the tumor en-block dissection. For stage 1 patients, this scheme not only ensures the radical cure of the tumor but also improves the detection rate of lymph nodes and ensures the patients' appearance. For doctors, this program is easy to operate and learn and can reduce the peer gap.