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Obturator prostheses following palatal resection: clinical cases
G Tirelli1, R Rizzo, M Biasotto
1ENT Clinic, Head and Neck Department, Hospital of Cattinara, University of Trieste, via Bellosguardo 34, Trieste, Italy. orl.units@libero.it
Summary
Squamous cell carcinomas of the oral cavity, particularly the hard palate and upper gum, often require extensive surgery. Reconstruction with microvascularized flaps and obturator prostheses is key for functional and aesthetic rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Oral oncology
- Surgical reconstruction
- Prosthodontics
Background:
- Malignant neoplasms of the oral cavity, specifically the upper gum and hard palate, represent 1-5% of oral cancers.
- Squamous cell carcinomas are the predominant histology, frequently diagnosed at advanced stages with bone invasion.
Observation:
- Surgical interventions like alveolectomy, palatectomy, and maxillectomy are standard for tumor removal.
- Reconstruction utilizes diverse microvascularized flaps (e.g., fibula, scapula, radial) and obturator prostheses.
Findings:
- Palatal obturators are crucial for rehabilitation, restoring oral-nasal separation, swallowing, mastication, speech, and aesthetics.
- Close collaboration between surgical and prosthodontic teams is essential for optimal outcomes.
- Mobile rehabilitative systems, including modified self-stabilizing prostheses, are preferred over fixed options.
Implications:
- Effective rehabilitation strategies significantly improve quality of life for patients with oral cancer.
- Personalized approaches to prosthodontic materials and techniques are vital for successful patient recovery.
- Multidisciplinary care optimizes functional and aesthetic restoration after complex oral cancer surgery.
