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Comparison of maxillectomy patients with immediate versus delayed obturator prosthesis placement
H J Lapointe1, H B Lampe, S M Taylor
1Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Faculty of Medicine, London.
Objective:
To compare maxillectomy patients with immediate versus delayed placement of an obturator prosthesis in terms of patient outcomes.
Design:
Retrospective review.
Outcome Measures:
The outcomes of 23 maxillectomy patients seen between 1975 and 1993 at St. Joseph's Health Centre in London, Ontario, were analyzed.
Methods:
For 17 patients, a prosthesis was placed immediately as part of the operative procedure, and for 6 patients, an occlusive dressing only was placed.
Results:
In all parameters studied (length of stay, i.v. requirements, swallowing, clear fluid diet and ambulation), the prosthesis group progressed more quickly and had a more rapid return to normal function.
Conclusion:
This study demonstrates the benefits of immediate prostheses for maxillectomy patients and justifies their continued use.