[Complications of post-irradiation radiotherapy mandibular resection: problems of reconstruction (author's transl)]

One hundred and twenty-six patients underwent a mandibular resection (segmental or marginal) as a part in the treatment of a malignant lesion. The surgical morbidity is increased by the preoperative high-dose irradiation. Complications such as osteitis and/or fracture of the mandible were noted in 31 cases (a total of 80) who underwent a preoperative external irradiation with a tumor-dose of 5,500 rads or higher, whereas only in 8 cases (a total of 46) without such preoperative radiotherapy. Prophylactic antibiotics, the use of flaps to replace the buccal mucosa without any suture-tension, replacement of the mandible by a low profile stainless steel prosthesis are advocated to reduce these postoperative complications.