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Skin graft reconstruction of the composite resection defect
1University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Pennsylvania, USA.
Background:
Reconstruction of the composite resection defect should provide for adequate speech and swallowing functions. Poorly designed reconstructive efforts can result in significant oral dysfunction. The composite resection defect can be reconstructed by a variety of methods. The split-thickness skin-graft method provides excellent speech and swallowing functions with minimal morbidity.
Methods:
Forty-three patients who underwent composite resections and were reconstructed by split-thickness skin graft (STSG) were analyzed. The patients' charts were reviewed for oncologic outcome, speech and swallowing functions, and length of hospital stay.
Results:
Speech and swallowing functions were excellent. At last follow-up, more than 90% of the patients tolerated either a soft or regular diet. The length of hospital stay was only 13 and 18 days for patients who underwent marginal and lateral segmental mandibulectomy, respectively. There were few complications. Radiation therapy had no adverse effects on the grafts.
Conclusion:
The STSG method is our preferred method for reconstruction of marginal or lateral segmental mandibulectomy defects that do not require tissue bulk.