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The functional result of mandibular reconstruction
1Department of Otolaryngology, Lenox Hill Hospital, New York, NY.
The Laryngoscope
|April 1, 1990
Summary
Restoring mandibular continuity after oral cancer surgery did not significantly improve function for most patients. While immediate reconstruction aided appearance, functional outcomes like swallowing and chewing remained challenging.
Area of Science:
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Oncology Rehabilitation
Background:
- Mandibular reconstruction is a complex procedure following oral-pharyngeal malignancy.
- Functional outcomes after reconstruction are critical for patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the functional rehabilitation of patients undergoing mandibular reconstruction.
- To assess key parameters including deglutition, mastication, cosmesis, diet, and prosthetic use.
Main Methods:
- Evaluation of five functional parameters post-mandibular reconstruction.
- Comparison between immediate and delayed reconstruction groups.
- Assessment of complications and hospitalizations related to the reconstructive procedures.
Main Results:
- Deglutition and mastication showed no improvement; deglutition issues linked to soft tissue resection.
- Mastication was poorer due to scarring and muscle loss; immediate reconstruction improved cosmesis, delayed reconstruction did not.
- Prosthetic rehabilitation was poor; reconstructed patients experienced more hospitalizations due to complications.
Conclusions:
- Restoration of mandibular continuity does not consistently enhance functional rehabilitation in most patients with oral-pharyngeal malignancy.
- Functional deficits, particularly in deglutition and mastication, persist despite surgical reconstruction.
- Further research is needed to optimize functional outcomes and prosthetic rehabilitation in this patient population.