Oral care pathways after oral mucosal graft harvesting: a systematic review

Introduction: Oral mucosal grafts are essential in reconstructive urology, particularly for urethral and genital defects. Advances in harvesting and implantation techniques have been made, yet perioperative care remains crucial for optimal outcomes. This systematic review explores postoperative care pathways following oral mucosal graft harvesting to consolidate knowledge, identify best practices, and highlight research gaps.

Objective: The review aims to identify optimal care pathways, compare different oral care approaches, and address research gaps.

Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases without time constraints. Key search terms included "oral mucosal graft", "oral care pathways", "OMG post-operative care", "BMG", "LMG", and "OMG graft harvesting". Selection followed PRISMA guidelines. Inclusion criteria focused on studies addressing oral mucosal grafts in reconstructive urology and associated perioperative care, excluding non-English articles, case reports, and editorials.

Results: The review underscores the suitability of oral mucosa for grafting due to properties like excellent vascularization and minimal immunogenicity. Comparisons among graft harvesting sites reveal differences in tissue quality, ease of harvest, and donor site morbidity. Non-closure techniques generally result in less postoperative pain and quicker healing, though closure might better control bleeding and infection. Despite common complications such as mild trismus and altered chewing efficiency, patient satisfaction remains high.

Conclusions: Effective management of oral mucosal grafts harvesting emphasizes tailored perioperative care to minimize complications and enhance recovery. Further research should focus on long-term oral morbidity, standardized care protocols, and patient-reported outcomes to improve care pathways and surgical results.