A NEGLECTED AND RARE DISEASE: WHAT IS NOMA'S RELATIONSHIP WITH PLASTIC SURGERY?

Objective: The aim of the study was to conduct a narrative review, describing the relationship between Noma and plastic surgery. Methods: The search strategy used databases such as Pubmed, Scielo, and Lilacs to gather information about Noma and its relationship with plastic surgery. Inclusion criteria considered studies on Noma, surgical treatment, clinical outcomes, languages (English, Portuguese, and Spanish), and study designs. Exclusion criteria eliminated studies with non-surgical treatments, non-facial surgical techniques, lack of surgical outcomes, non-human case reports, and treatments for complications from previous surgeries. Results: It was found that reconstructive plastic surgery results in improvements in patients' quality of life, with advances in both objective and subjective outcomes following interventions. However, the study also highlighted a discrepancy between the number of case reports and the scarcity of prospective studies that use classifications to assess intervention outcomes. Of the reviewed articles, 64% were case reports, highlighting the need to establish more rigorous research to better understand the implications of Noma treatment. The classifications, NOITULP and PRO, proved essential in surgical practice, not only for planning reconstructions but also for assessing the impact on patients' lives. Conclusion: Noma is a rare and neglected disease, with devastating facial sequelae. The importance of reconstructive plastic surgery lies in restoring physical functionality and providing a more positive self-image, combating suffering and social isolation.