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Objectives: To review the existing techniques for minor salivary gland biopsy (MSGB) in the lip and to suggest a
new approach to ease the procedure and reduce post-operative complications.
Study Design: A comprehensive literature review and a descriptive study of a new surgical technique.
Results: Diverse incisions have been suggested for MSGB with different designs (ellipse, circular, linear), different
directions (parallel, oblique, vertical) and a wide range of lengths (from 1 mm up to 3 cm), but no comparative
studies supporting the advantages of a particular type of incision over the others could be retrieved. A variety of
features of the existing techniques for MSGB are linked to undesired events and surgical complications which
could be minimized by modifying certain aspects of these procedures. The technique described, together with the
use of the S forceps, represents a significant improvement over the already described chalazion forceps because it
allows for a better access and positioning of the lower lip, improves the ergonomic conditions of the assistant, and
facilitates the identification of lip areas with more superficial gland lobules.
Conclusions: The suggested approach for lip MSGB includes a specifically designed instrument whose performance
during lip biopsy may contribute to minimize post-operative complications.
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