Primary reconstruction of the mandible after resection for oral cancer

Forty-seven patients with cancer of the lower half of the oral cavity underwent primary restoration of mandibular continuity with a threaded wire after "en bloc" resection. The overall 3 years tolerance rate of the wire calculated according to the actuarial method is 0.29. Preoperative radiotherapy and inclusion of the wire into silastic reduced tolerance of the prosthesis. The occurrence of an oral fistula required removal of the wire.