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Updated: Jul 28, 2025
A Postoperative Evaluation Guideline for Computer-Assisted Reconstruction of the Mandible
Published on: January 28, 2020
Mandibular reconstruction in head and neck cancer: which is the gold standard?
Gabriele Molteni1,2,3, Luca Gazzini1,4, Andrea Sacchetto5,6
1Young Confederation of European ORL-HNS, Y-CEORL-HNS, Vienna, Austria.
Introduction:
The aim of this study is to perform a systematic review to compare the outcomes of the different surgical options for mandibular reconstruction in head and neck cancer.
Material And Methods:
93 articles were selected. Four groups were identified: titanium plate without flaps, titanium plate covered by soft tissue flap, bone tissue flaps and double flaps. We compared patients' characteristics, site of mandibulectomy, type of reconstruction and complications.
Results:
4697 patients were reported. The groups were not homogeneous regarding the type of defect and the treatment history. A significant difference in terms of post-operative complications was found between group 1 and group 2 (p < 0.00001), and between group 2 and group 3 (p < 0.00001). Total complications rate for group 4 was significantly higher when compared to group 3 (p < 0.00001), but no significant difference was found with group 2.
Conclusion:
These results suggest that mandibular reconstruction using a microvascular bone flap is the best surgical option in patients without significant comorbidities.
