[Prosthetic supply of tissue defects in head and neck surgery]

Cancer surgery, malformation or trauma may cause broad facial defects that cannot be covered by patients because of their exposed site. Such defects lead to functional deficits and enormous psychological strain and require rehabilitation at all ages. Prosthetic supply has been developed into a functional and aesthetic alternative to plastic and reconstructive surgery.

The condensed experience with prosthetic supply after persistent surgical defects of more than twenty patients during the recent years is described.

Efficient prosthetic supply in the exposed facial area requires a well scheduled and close cooperation between the surgeon and anaplastologist. Preoperative diagnostic evaluation and operative filling of the magnetic fixation in cooperation with the anaplastologist provide a satisfying functional and cosmetic prosthetic outcome for the patient. Advantages of this procedure combine early cosmetic rehabilitation with the option to directly investigate the tumor site after resection. Novel magnet systems provide a high degree of flexibility combined with confident fixation.

Prosthetic rehabilitation should be offered and discussed with patients ahead of cancer surgery in the head and neck area. This procedure should be considered in particular in patients that reject or are not feasible for multi-step reconstructive surgery.