Balaji Dental & Craniofacial Hospital

29/10/2025

SUCCESSFUL RESECTION OF TONGUE CARCINOMA WITH RECONSTRUCTION OF TONGUE AND FLOOR OF MOUTH USING ANTEROLATERAL THIGH FLAP
This 34-year-old male had initially presented with an ulcer and swelling of the right tongue along with chewing and breathing difficulties. He was subsequently referred to Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital with a biopsy proven, well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the right tongue extending to the left. He underwent comprehensive laboratory and imaging studies including MRI and whole body PET-CT scan.
Tumour board recommendation was for the patient to undergo tracheostomy and PEG tube insertion to help with feeding and breathing after surgery followed by total glossectomy, right modified radical neck dissection and left selective neck dissection with removal of lymph nodes and marginal mandibulectomy followed by reconstruction with an anterolateral thigh flap harvested from the patient himself. The surgical team led by Dr. SM Balaji, senior oral cancer and craniomaxillofacial surgeon, meticulously planned the surgery.
Surgery commenced with identification of the marginal mandibular nerve, which was preserved. The facial artery and the facial vein were then identified, ligated and cut as were the bilateral lingual arteries and the hypoglossal nerve. Care was also taken to identify and preserve the internal jugular vein.
The right modified radical neck dissection and left selective neck dissection with removal of lymph nodes was then performed. This was followed by marginal mandibulectomy and resection of the tongue cancer and mandibular segment. Frozen sections sent for histopathological examination returned with negative margins.
Reconstruction of the tongue and floor of mouth was performed using an anterolateral thigh flap, which was harvested from the patient. The descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery was carefully anastomosed to the facial artery and venae comitantes anastomosed to the common facial vein. Good blood supply to the flap was demonstrated using the pinprick test following anastomosis of the blood vessels.
There were excellent results following the surgery. The patient would need to undergo further surgery for mandibular reconstruction to complete his rehabilitation.

27/10/2025

It is with profound sorrow that Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital mourn the passing of Prof. Mathangi Ramakrishnan, a pioneering plastic and reconstructive surgeon whose life’s work transformed countless lives and inspired generations in the medical fraternity.

A visionary clinician and an exceptional teacher, Prof. Mathangi Ramakrishnan dedicated her career to advancing the field of plastic surgery. She served as Professor and Head of the Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery at Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, where she trained and mentored numerous young surgeons with compassion and precision. For her exceptional service, she was honoured with numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, one of India’s highest civilian awards, and the Dr. B.C. Roy National Award for her outstanding contributions to medical science.

Having had the privilege of working with her for nearly a decade, I witnessed her immense dedication and humility with warmth. I was fortunate enough to have her trust and faith. She entrusted me with her patients with orofacial clefts—an expression of her deep professional trust and collegiality. Always eager to engage in scholarly endeavours, she actively participated in academic conferences and discussions, enriching them with her experience and insight. We have even celebrated one of Madam’s birthday in our hospital and also reminded of Madam being awarded the highest Humanitarian award presented at the 10th World cleft conference in Chennai in 2016.

Prof. Mathangi Ramakrishnan will be remembered not only as an outstanding surgeon and teacher but also as a compassionate human being who touched lives far beyond the operating room. Her legacy lives on in her students, her patients, and in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She lives on in our hearts—through her work, her kindness, and her enduring spirit.

26/10/2025

Prof. SM Balaji Presents the Annual Report at the joint IADR-APR & 35th ISDR Annual Conference 2025 in New Delhi, India

The spotlight on dental research intensified as the International Association for Dental Research – Asia Pacific Region (IADR-APR) conference officially launched its joint session with the 35th Annual Conference of the Indian Society for Dental Research (ISDR) at the opulent Leela Ambience Convention Hotel. This landmark event positioned India at the epicentre of global dental science.

The inauguration was a high-profile affair, featuring a convergence of healthcare and aerospace leadership. The dais was graced by Chief Guest Dr. V. Narayanan, Secretary, Department of Space, and Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Guest of Honour Dr. Abhijat Sheth, President of the National Medical Commission (NMC). They were joined by esteemed international dignitaries: Prof. Pamela Yelick, President of IADR, and Dr. Christopher Fox, Executive Director of IADR.

In his Secretary General’s Address, Prof. SM Balaji, Secretary General of ISDR and managing Director of Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, delivered a visionary report. He powerfully articulated the synergy between dentistry and advanced fields like aerospace science, highlighting that innovations such as Titanium metallurgy, perfected for rockets and turbines, have now revolutionized dental implants. Prof. SM Balaji emphasized that modern dentistry, with its use of nanomaterials, regenerative biologics, and additive-manufactured prostheses, echoes the spirit of space exploration. He showcased India's growing research prowess, noting ISDR's success in getting 438 projects funded through ICMR’s research scheme in 2025, which translates to a significant grant for every 1 in 100 dental students.

The ceremony, chaired by Organizing Chairman Prof. Mahesh Verma and President Prof. Vijay Mathur, and the official release of the e-souvenir, cementing the conference’s role in driving evidence-based research for global oral health. The program included a total of 16 Symposiums and 10 Keynote Lectures. Fellowships were also presented to members of the ISDR who have rendered yeomen service to the society over the years as well as to meritorious students for their academic excellence. The chief guest Dr. V. Narayanan, was also presented with a memento of appreciation at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Across these sessions, there were 62 named speakers representing 9 different countries beyond the host nation of India, including Australia , USA , United Kingdom , South Korea , Cambodia , Japan , Romania , Singapore , Spain , Taiwan , Thailand , Hong Kong , and Indonesia. The total duration of the core scientific content, including all lectures, symposiums, and free paper sessions across the multiple halls, amounted to approximately 45.5 combined man-hours of science over the three days

26/10/2025

Digital and Regenerative Dental Innovation at the IADR-APR & 35th ISDR Technological Exhibition in New Delhi, India

The much-anticipated Technology Exhibition at the IADR-APR (International Association for Dental Research-Asia Pacific Region) & 35th ISDR (Indian Society for Dental Research) Annual Conference 2025 officially opened, offering a vibrant marketplace for the future of dentistry. Inaugurated by global leaders Prof. Pamela Yelick, IADR President and Dr. Christopher Fox, IADR Chief Executive Officer, the exhibition served as a crucial bridge between cutting-edge research and clinical application.

The exhibition highlighted several breakthroughs in Dentistry which are rapidly changing patient care. About 800 attendees, including 260 international delegates from nations like Japan, South Korea, and Australia, had the opportunity to explore advanced materials and systems that stem from interdisciplinary science. As detailed in the Secretary-General’s report by Prof. SM Balaji, new generation technologies like regenerative biologics and advanced nanomaterials are direct beneficiaries of research first driven by fields like defence and aerospace, underscoring the high-tech foundation of modern dental practice.

The exhibition complemented the conference's extensive scientific program, which included 16 Symposia and 10 Keynote Lectures, such as the esteemed J.G. Kannappan Oration on Dental Tissue Engineering by Dr. Pamela Yelick. Further promoting innovation capacity, the event included eight pre-conference skill upgradation workshops (four clinical, four research), dedicated to equipping delegates with hands-on expertise in the newest research methodologies and digital clinical techniques. The Trade Exhibition became a vital networking zone, fulfilling the conference's mandate to translate ground-breaking research into usable products, creating a platform where industry innovators and academic researchers collaborated to define the next decade of oral healthcare technology.

26/10/2025

जबड़े के जोड़ और मध्य भाग की हड्डी का विभंग -भारत में जबड़े के टूटी हड्डी की शल्य चिकित्सा

यह मरीज कई जन्मजात विकृतियों के साथ पैदा हुआ था, जिसमें सिंगनाथिया, टीएमजे (टेम्पोरोमैंडिबुलर जोड़) का फाइब्रस एंक...

26/10/2025

Surgery for Jaw Joint and Symphysis Fracture

This young girl had been playing volleyball with her friends after school. She had collided with one of her friends during the course of the game. Her friend...

19/10/2025

Prof. SM Balaji Chairs the Prestigious Dr. John Westine Oration at the 33rd ICMFS International Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan

At the 33rd ICMFS International Congress in Baku, Prof. SM Balaji, Director of Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, Chennai, India, had the honor of chairing the distinguished Dr. John Westine Oration along with Prof. Adi Rachmiel of Israel, delivered by Prof. Jean Paul Meningaud (France) on “Face Transplant 2.0: Innovation in the Wake of Chronic Rejection and Cancer.”

Prof. Meningaud’s lecture highlighted groundbreaking advancements in face transplantation, focusing on overcoming chronic rejection, improving graft survival, and combining reconstructive science with artistry to restore function and aesthetics. His pioneering work in Face Transplant demonstrates how surgical innovation can transform lives, offering patients renewed confidence, identity, and quality of life—making this procedure truly unique in the field of craniofacial surgery.

In his opening remarks, Prof. SM Balaji paid tribute to Dr. John Westine, whose visionary leadership greatly shaped the International College of Maxillofacial Surgery (ICMFS) and the global oral and maxillofacial surgery community. Dr. Westine’s contributions included establishing foundations for children with craniofacial disorders, mentoring surgeons worldwide, and advancing the science and ethics of craniofacial care, leaving a lasting legacy in the profession.

By chairing this prestigious oration, Prof. SM Balaji not only facilitated high-level scientific discourse, but also highlighted the human and ethical dimensions of complex craniofacial innovations, inspiring surgeons worldwide to pursue excellence in reconstructive surgery.

19/10/2025

Prof. SM Balaji’s shared deep insights on Pediatric Decannulation at the 33rd International Conference of ICMFS in Baku, Azerbaijan

Prof. SM. Balaji of Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, Chennai, delivered a landmark lecture on “Decannulation Dilemmas: Timing Tracheostomy Tube Removal in Children with Craniofacial Deformities” at the 33rd International College of Maxillofacial Surgery (ICMFS) Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan. The session was chaired by Prof. Christos Perisanidis (Greece) and Prof. Charles P. Sia (The Philippines).
The lecture addressed a topic that is rarely discussed but critically important: deciding the right timing for tracheostomy tube removal in children. While technical in nature, the decision deeply affects both the child’s well-being and the family’s peace of mind. Parents often face anxiety over potential breathing complications or prolonged dependence on medical support, while children may struggle with discomfort, communication challenges, or social stigma. By highlighting these real-world challenges, Prof. SM Balaji connected surgical science with the human side of care, making the session both clinically insightful and emotionally relatable.
Drawing on over 30 years of surgical experience, he presented evidence-based protocols, interdisciplinary strategies, and illustrative case discussions, providing practical guidance on patient safety, timing, and holistic management. The lecture received high praise from attending surgeons, showcasing Prof. SM Balaji’s ability to translate complex clinical dilemmas into actionable solutions while keeping the child and family at the center of care.
This lecture, alongside his other contributions at the conference, underscores Prof. SM Balaji’s standing as a visionary leader in craniofacial and maxillofacial surgery, admired worldwide for both clinical mastery and compassionate, patient-focused care.

19/10/2025

Prof. SM. Balaji Delivers Landmark Lecture on Management of Orbital Dystopia at the 33rd ICMFS International Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan
At the 33rd International Congress of the International College of Maxillofacial Surgery (ICMFS) in Baku, Azerbaijan, Prof. SM. Balaji of Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, Chennai, showcased his unparalleled expertise in craniofacial surgery by delivering a highly acclaimed lecture on “Management of Orbital Dystopia” on October 9, 2025.
The session, chaired by Prof. Reha Kisnisci (Turkey) and Prof. Nik Kantaputra (Thailand), brought together leading maxillofacial experts from around the world. Prof. SM Balaji’s lecture addressed the full spectrum of complex orbital deformities in craniofacial patients, sharing innovative surgical strategies and evidence-based management techniques he has refined over 30+ years of surgical experience. Drawing upon training with renowned Western and Indian pioneers, he infused his own patient-specific, result-oriented approach, offering solutions that balance precision, aesthetics, and functionality.
By blending scientific rigor with clinical artistry, Prof. SM Balaji captivated the audience, reaffirming his status as a global authority in craniofacial surgery. His patient-centric methodology, combined with an intricate understanding of orbital anatomy, inspired both seasoned surgeons and emerging trainees, leaving a lasting impression on the international surgical community.

19/10/2025

Pʀᴏғ. SM Bᴀʟᴀᴊɪ Cʜᴀɪʀs Pʀᴏғ. Jᴀᴛɪɴ Sʜᴀʜ’s Hᴇᴀᴅ & Nᴇᴄᴋ Sᴜʀɢᴇʀʏ Sᴇssɪᴏɴ ᴀᴛ 33ʀᴅ ICMFS Iɴᴛᴇʀɴᴀᴛɪᴏɴᴀʟ Cᴏɴғᴇʀᴇɴᴄᴇ ᴀᴛ Bᴀᴋᴜ, Aᴢᴇʀʙᴀɪᴊᴀɴ
At the 33rd International College for Maxillofacial Surgery (ICMFS) International Congress held in early October in Baku, Prof. SM Balaji, Director of Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, Chennai, India, served as an expert moderator along with Prof. Aziz Aliyev of Azerbaijan for a key session by the world-renowned Prof. Jatin P. Shah of Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center, New York, on Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology. Prof. Jatin P. Shah presented an outstanding lecture on “Global Outcomes of Skull Base Surgery for Malignant Tumors.”
Prof. SM Balaji’s moderation skillfully guided discussions, clarified complex surgical techniques, and fostered meaningful debate among international experts. His ability to bridge scientific insight with practical clinical application helped attendees gain a deeper understanding of advanced oncologic and reconstructive strategies. By facilitating interactive dialogue, he highlighted the world-renowned Prof. Jatin Shah’s research on skull base and thyroid surgery but also the critical importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, which directly impacts patient outcomes.
This session reinforced Prof. Jatin Shah’s role as a global thought leader, demonstrating the respect and trust he commands among peers worldwide. His guidance ensured that the session was both educational and highly engaging, benefiting surgeons at all stages of their careers.

11/10/2025

https://youtu.be/RsiWG1bfsJw एमेलोब्लास्टोमा के खंडीय छेदन के बाद जबड़े की पुनर्निर्माण सर्जरी

इस युवा व्यक्ति के आगे के निचले जबड़े (मैंडिबल)में सूजन विकसित हो गई। उसके क्षेत्र में कई दांत भी गायब हैं। इस सूजन .....

11/10/2025

Jaw Reconstruction Surgery after Segmental Resection of Ameloblastoma

This young man developed a swelling in his anterior mandible. He also has several missing teeth in the region. This swelling resulted in some pain and discom...