Intraoral hair removal on skin graft using Nd:YAG laser

This case report is a demonstration of the efficacy of laser hair removal on a graft site intraorally. A Polaris Long Pulse Nd:YAG laser was used for the procedures.

The Superiorly Based Platysma Flap for Oral Reconstruction in Conjunction With Neck Dissection: A Case Series

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to access the reliability and use of the superiorly based platysma flap for reconstruction of small and medium oral defects.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This case series consists of 5 patients who were reconstructed with a superiorly based platysma flap for defects of the following oral region: buccal mucosa, floor of the mouth, and lateral gingiva. The flaps were monitored for complications, including skin loss and ischemia in the postoperative period.

RESULTS

Three patients (60%) had some skin sloughing in the recipient site. None of the patients had complications in the donor site.

CONCLUSION

The superiorly based platysma flap can survive after the facial artery has been ligated, which is the normal procedure during neck dissection. If skin sloughing occurs, it is usually inconsequential for intraoral reconstruction because the underlying muscle remains viable and undergoes epithelialization.

Oral rehabilitation with the new SG attachment in a patient treated for oral squamous cell carcinoma

In patients who have undergone surgery and radiotherapy for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the posterior oral rehabilitation may prove complex. In addition to the defects produced by surgical ablation of the primary tumor, radiotherapy induces deleterious effects upon the oral tissues. We present the case of a 48-year-old male treated two years before due to OSCC in the retromolar trigone and left lateral wall of the oropharynx. Following study of the case with clinical examination and orthopantomography, a management plan was defined involving rehabilitation of the upper dental arch with fixed ceramometallic prostheses, while in the lower arch we chose a unilateral removable prosthesis adapted to a fixed prosthesis by means of a special and versatile attachment based on a new system that functions as a fixed element but which can be removed or changed at some later date. The present clinical case illustrates this type of prosthodontic solution for the management of oncological patients of this kind.

[Application of the free vascularized lateral upper arm flap in intraoral reconstruction following ablative tumour surgery]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the application of the lateral arm free flap (LAFF) in the reconstruction for intraoral defects.

METHODS

Intraoral reconstruction was performed using the LAFF for 10 patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma of the tongue (n = 3), cheek (n = 4), gingiva (n = 1) and oropharynx (n = 2). There were 8 men and 2 women (mean age, 52 years).

RESULTS

Nine LAFF healed uneventfully. One flap was lost on the second postoperative day due to venous insufficiency. The donor defect was closed primarily In all patients. There were no significant complications at the donor site.

CONCLUSIONS

Because of the thin and pliable nature, the lateral upper arm flap can be recommended as a choice for repair of moderate-sized defects of the oral maxillofacial area.

Magnet-retained facial prosthesis combined with an implant-supported edentulous maxillary obturator: a case report

The prosthetic rehabilitation of maxillofacial defects is especially challenging when the patient is edentulous. Although dental implants are used to enhance the retention and stability of both facial and maxillary prostheses, combining facial and maxillary prostheses is extremely difficult. This article describes the prosthetic treatment of an edentulous patient with a large maxillary and facial defect. After placing dental implants in the remaining maxilla, a maxillary obturator prosthesis supported by a milled bar attachment was fabricated. The facial prosthesis was retained by a magnetic attachment to the maxillary obturator prosthesis. As the obturator prosthesis was supported securely by this sturdy attachment, the facial prosthesis was stable during mastication and facial movement. The patient reported improvement in prosthesis retention and stability. Both the masticatory and the speech functions of the patient improved.

How satisfied are head and neck cancer (HNC) patients with the information they receive pre-treatment? Results from the satisfaction with cancer information profile (SCIP)

Recent UK government recommendations state that high quality information must be provided for cancer patients. The objectives of this study were firstly, to explore how satisfied head and neck cancer (HNC) patients were with information provided about their illness and treatment, in order to identify areas of improvement. Secondly, to assess the extent to which satisfaction with information before treatment was predictive of long-term outcomes. Patients completed the satisfaction with information profile (SCIP), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the SF-12 Health Survey (SF-12v2) before treatment (n=82), 1 month after the end of treatment (n=68) and 6-8 months later (n=50). Patients were generally satisfied with information, however key areas of improvement were identified, such as the provision of information about support groups, where to go for financial advice and the long-term affects of treatment on ability to work, physical functioning and QoL. Satisfaction with information before treatment was predictive of depression and Mental Component Summary scores (HR-QoL) 6-8 months after the end of treatment. This study highlights the need for tailored information provision and the impact on longitudinal outcomes of satisfying patient's needs for information prior to treatment.

Long-Term Results of Free Radial Forearm Flap Used for Oral Reconstruction: Functional and Histological Evaluation

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the radial forearm flap with regard to recovery of sensory function, general performance status, cutaneous blood flow and histological observations.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty patients (23 male and 7 female) with oral carcinoma underwent immediate reconstruction with radial forearm flap after ablative surgery and returned for evaluation. Interviews were conducted to assess the degree of articulation and mastication.

RESULTS

Sensory function tests suggested the restoration of cutaneous sensibility of the forearm flap. Histological findings indicated mucosa-like changes of flaps about 10 months after reconstruction. The clarity of conversation recovered favorably in most patients. However, the degree of recovery was generally related to the time after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The radial forearm flap is a unique flap with specific characters that allowed for best available functional reconstruction of the oral cavity in terms of restoration of sensation, performance, and histological changes to adapt to the new oral environment.

The early use of a perforator flap of the lateral lower limb in maxillofacial reconstructive surgery

The development of perforator-based flaps led to new donor sites and enlarged the spectrum of recipient vessels using arteries and veins of very small calibres. Although these flaps, which are directly anastomosed at their terminal cutaneous branches, are becoming more and more important for reconstructions in other regions of the body, perforator-based flaps have not played an important role in maxillofacial surgery until now. This study reports the experience with 24 consecutive perforator flaps from the lateral lower limb for intra- and extraoral defect coverage. Septo- or myoseptocutaneous perforators from the peroneal artery served as the flap pedicle having a length of 4-7 cm and diameters of 1-2 mm. Indications were reconstructions of the floor of the mouth (10), soft palate (3), tongue (6), closure of perforating cheek defects (2) and reconstruction of the facial skin (3). Anastomoses were performed to the lingual, facial, temporal or thyroid superior artery. Except for 2 cases, all perforator-based flaps were healed well and the morbidity of the donor site was nearly negligible. According to the early experience in this study, perforator-based flaps from the lateral lower limb may have an indication if recipient vessels available are close to the defect and if very low donor site morbidity is important to the patient.

Reconstruction of perioral defects following resection for oral squamous cell carcinoma

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to review and describe techniques for the reconstruction of large, complex perioral defects after resection of oral squamous cell carcinoma with emphasis on cosmetic and functional outcome.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A review of techniques and selected case presentations using different flap designs for the reconstruction of large perioral defects following resection of squamous cell carcinoma was performed. The Bernard and Karapandzic flaps were used for large lower lip defects. A Zisser flap technique was used to reconstruct a large commissure defect.

RESULTS

All reconstructed patients had acceptable functional results and healed without complication. The large lower lip defects were easily closed with the Bernard and Karapandzic flaps. The commissure defect was reconstructed using the Zisser technique. While cosmesis was acceptable in all cases, the commissure was the most difficult region to reconstruct with a favorable appearance. There were no flap failures. The Karapandzic flap led to greater rounding of the commissure area and the composite resection resulted in a lack of lower lip support that was improved with prosthesis. Function was noted to be excellent in the Bernard and Karapandzic flaps, with the patients able to purse lips and blow up balloon-type devices.

CONCLUSION

The Bernard, Karapandzic, and Zisser flaps provide a predictable method to reconstruct large perioral defects following resection for oral cancer. Subsequent fabrication of a prosthesis can aid in lip support for the resected area.

Quality of life and functional evaluation after supracricoid partial laryngectomy with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy in Mexican patients

This study assessed the functional results in patients treated primarily through supracricoid partial laryngectomy (SCPL) with cricohyoidoepiglottopexy (CHEP).

Fifteen patients with a diagnosis of epidermoid carcinoma of the glottis region admitted to the Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (México) between June 2001 and September 2002 were studied. Three patients were at stage I, five at stage II, six at stage III, and one at stage IV. Both cricoarytenoid units were preserved in 12 patients, and only one in three. Each case was assessed through the clinical grading postoperative aspiration (CGPA) scale, the performance status scale for head and neck cancer (PSS-HNC), and the Karnofsky Performance Scale (KPS). Likewise, voice quality of the patients was assessed regarding tone and intensity using the SpeechViewer version 1 (IBM) and data were obtained with the Cool Edit 2000 software.

Twelve patients received phoniatric rehabilitation and three were left without rehabilitation. The average time for decannulation was 12 days and 23 days for removal of the nasogastric catheter. The degree of aspiration was 0 in four patients and one in 11. According to PSS-HNC, the mean for normalcy in the diet was 95 and the mean for those eating in public was 91. Intelligibility reached an average of 90. Karnofsky’s assessment was related to the disease and not to the treatment, as it remained at 100 per cent in most patients and was never below 80 percent. The mean intensity of quality of voice was -18 dB below normal; however, the mean frequency was 243.7 Hz.

SCPL and CHEP allows the preservation of the basic function of the larynx; however, a clear alteration in voice occurs after the procedure, although normal frequency is kept when both arytenoids are preserved. Likewise, preservation of both arytenoids shortens the time needed for cannula and feeding catheter removal. PSS-HNC, Karnofsky, and CGPA assessments demonstrated thatpatients can reach an almost normal bio-psycho-social integration. It is recommended that all patients be subjected to phoniatric rehabilitation.

Buccal mucosal transposition flap for reconstruction of oropharyngeal-oral cavity defects: an analysis of six cases

BACKGROUND

Operation on tumors situated in the posterior part of the oral cavity is a challenging aspect of head and neck surgery. Both the approach and the postablative reconstruction of the remaining defect require special procedures. An arsenal of reconstructive methods are available depending on the size and complexity of the defect. The goal should be to employ the simplest surgical reconstructive method, resulting in the best functional result and allowing for later complex oncotherapy.

OBJECTIVE

To study the outcomes of patients treated using buccal mucosal transposition flaps for reconstruction of posterior oral cavity and oropharyngeal border defects.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 6 patients with defects of the posterior oral cavity and mesopharynx were treated with buccal mucosal transposition flaps. The patients were followed for up to 24 months.

RESULTS

Defects ranging from 12 to 27 cm 2 were reconstructed with the buccal mucosal transposition flap. One patient developed an orocutaneous fistula and 1 had some trismus requiring a Z-plasty scar reorientation. One patient suffered from nasal regurgitation. Five of the 6 patients lived past 24 months, the time of follow-up of this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The buccal mucosal transposition flap, with its random pattern of circulation, used alone proved to be a safe method to reconstruct soft tissue defects or line exposed hard tissues located in the posterior oral cavity and oropharynx.

Reconstruction of large defects postmandibulectomy for oral cancer using plates and myocutaneous flaps: a long-term follow-up

A series of 28 consecutive cases of mandibular reconstruction by means of reconstructive plates and myocutaneous flaps were reviewed. In all cases mandibular resection was indicated for treatment of squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity: 25 pelviglossomandibulectomies (resulting in large defects from the angle of the mandible), 2 Commando operations (resulting in lateral defects) and 1 anterior sectional mandibulectomy (resulting in an anterior defect). Tumour stages were T1-T2 (4 cases) and T3-T4 (24 cases). Success was defined as plate maintenance 6 months' postoperatively/postradiotherapy. The overall success rate was 32.2%. Lateral-centre-lateral (L-C-L) defects had 32% success, L (lateral) defects had 50% success and in the single case of a C (centre) defect, the plate was not maintained. Stainless steel reconstruction plates showed a similar success rate as titanium plates (30% versus 34%). In cases not submitted to radiotherapy there were more maintained plates than in cases that received radiotherapy (45.5% versus 23.6%). Reconstruction plates are not effective in bridging large defects of the resected mandible. Only in selected cases that are not eligible for microvascular free flaps should plates and myocutaneous flaps be considered as an option for mandibular reconstruction.

Socioeconomic Effects of and Risk Factors for Disability in Long-term Survivors of Head and Neck Cancer

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the socioeconomic effect of and risk factors for work-related disability due to head and neck cancer and its treatment.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional analysis of a consecutive series of patients.

SETTING

Tertiary cancer center hospital.

PATIENTS

Eligible patients had squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract, were employed or had an active professional career at the time of initial diagnosis, and were disease free for at least 2 years at the time of interview. The survey instruments were a specific questionnaire to evaluate patient socioeconomic status and a Portuguese version of the University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Descriptive analysis of the results and associations between clinical, social, and quality of life variables with work disability.

RESULTS

A total of 301 patients were studied. There were 236 (78.4%) men (median age, 52 years). The tumor sites were the oral cavity in 158 (52.5%), oropharynx in 55 (18.3%), larynx in 78 (25.9%), and hypopharynx in 10 (3.3%). Most patients presented with advanced clinical disease and underwent surgical treatment initially. There were 36 (12.0%) illiterate patients, and only 23 (7.6%) patients had completed college. Ninety-nine patients (32.9%) became unable to work, and 126 (41.9%) reported a significant decrease in household income. Multivariate analysis showed that advanced clinical stage (P = .02), alcohol consumption (P = .02), and low educational level (P = .007) were associated independently with work disability.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed a high rate of work-related disability that led to significant decrease in household income. Several clinical, social, and quality of life variables were associated with this degree of disability. These results could be used to better define who should undergo more intensive rehabilitation aiming to reduce work disability. If intensive rehabilitation is unsuccessful, these patients should receive more comprehensive social support.

Complete rehabilitation of the mandible following segmental resection

Segmental resection of the mandible leads to significant patient morbidity. Loss of mandibular support to the teeth, tongue and lip causes dysfunctional mastication, swallowing, speech, airway protection and oral competence. Patients also suffer disfigurement following segmental mandibulectomy because the mandible is an important aesthetic landmark. The degrees to which dysfunction and disfigurement occur depend both on the location of the mandibular segment removed and the amount of surrounding soft tissue excised. Between January 1985 and December 2004, 780 fibula osteoseptocutaneous flaps have been used for head and neck reconstruction at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. The fibula flap has proven to be the bony flap of choice because it has a lengthy bicortical segment of bone available, a reasonably long vascular pedicle, large diameter vessels, good bone quality, and is easily contoured with multiple osteotomies. The flap can be harvested while ablation is being performed. In addition, a reliable, mobile, thin skin component can always be included to address the soft tissue reconstructive requirements. A chimeric design employing a portion of the soleus muscle can provide further reconstructive options. Ideally complete rehabilitation of the mandible involves placement of titanium osseointegrated implants, which allow dental restoration. Primary placement of implants is preferred in patients without cancer. Selection of candidates to receive osseointegrated implants is paramount. The temporomandibular joint remains a challenge to reconstruct adequately.

Oral rehabilitation after treatment for head and neck malignancy

BACKGROUND

Advances in the management of oral malignancy have resulted in significant improvements in survival and functional outcome. Ablation of oral tissues and radiotherapy render many patients unable to wear conventional prostheses, and these patients are, thus, candidates for oral rehabilitation with osseointegrated implants. We aim to present outcomes and complications of such treatment over a 14-year period in a single unit.

METHODS

Data were collected for 81 consecutive patients, most of whom had received microvascular free flap reconstruction after surgical ablation of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Three hundred eighty-six implants were placed after a delay of 12 months after surgery. Sixty-five percent of implants were placed in the anterior mandible. Radiotherapy was used in 47% of the patients, and hyperbaric oxygen treatment was routinely used in irradiated subjects during the latter half of the series. Retrospective analysis of implants and prostheses was made by use of case notes, radiographs, and a computerized database.

RESULTS

Data are presented for 364 of the 386 implants in 77 of the 81 patients after a median follow-up of 4 years. Two hundred sixty-five (73%) of the implants were in function supporting prostheses, 56 (15%) had been lost, and 43 (12%) were present but not loaded (ie, "sleepers"). Implant loss seemed patient specific and was also correlated with host bone type. Thirteen percent of patients in whom implants were placed in the mandible lost at least one implant, and the equivalent values for the maxilla was 40%. Thirty-six percent of patients in whom implants were placed in bone graft or flap lost at least one implant. The effects of implant manufacture, dimensions, radiotherapy, and hyperbaric oxygen did not reach statistical significance in this series. Cases of a second primary malignancy were noteworthy; however, the impact of recurrence was minimized by the delay between resection and rehabilitation. Of the 42 fixed and 29 removable prostheses fitted, 12 (17%) failed.

CONCLUSIONS

Implants placed in mandible were reliable, but failure rates in vascularized bone graft and maxilla were higher. Radiotherapy did not seem to prejudice implant survival, and hyperbaric oxygen had no demonstrable benefit in this series. Despite some persistent soft tissue problems and implant loss, most patients reached a successful prosthetic and functional outcome.

A Method Using Vestibulo-sulcoplasty Combining a Split-thickness Skin Graft and a Palatal Keratinized Mucosa Graft for Peri-implant Tissue Secondary to Oral Cancer Surgery

Twelve patients presented with oral submucosal fibrosis and loss of keratinized gingiva in a compromised vestibule of a severely deficient mandibular edentulous ridge secondary to oral cancer surgery. They received implant rehabilitation with a total of 49 fixtures without major bone graft augmentation. To overcome vestibular compromise, soft tissue management consisting of simultaneous vestibulo-sulcoplasty, split-thickness skin graft (STSG), and palatal keratinized mucosa graft (KMG) was performed as a second stage when healing abutment was transferred to replace the cover screw of the dental implant. Postoperative follow-up of all patients consisted of clinical and radiographic examinations for an average of 4 years, revealing good stability of implant fixtures with a 91.8% success rate and generally healthy peri-implant tissue, the latter with an average sulcus depth of 2.9 +/- 0.6 mm. Satisfactory results were also demonstrated regarding improved morphology of the vestibule, cosmetics, and prosthetic functionality. Vestibulo-sulcoplasty combining STSG and palatal KMG offers a stable and convenient method for rebuilding peri-implant tissue without need for bone grafting in selected patients who have compromised atrophic ridges secondary to cancer surgery.

[Provisional silicone obturator for closure of hard and soft palatal defects]

Treatment of intraoral squamous cell carcinomas is guided by the clinical stage of the disease and includes surgical resection. The resulting defect may be closed surgically or prosthodontically. This article describes a technique for provisional closure of a surgical defect. The interim obturator permits normal oral functioning until permanent rehabilitation is performed.

Speech and swallowing following radial forearm flap reconstruction of major soft palate defects

Velopharyngeal function is often compromised by the resection and reconstruction of oropharyngeal and palatal tumours. While free tissue transfer has improved the outcomes of head and neck reconstruction. In general, palatal reconstruction remains a challenge. Velopharyngeal function was analysed in eight patients following microsurgical reconstruction of defects of between 50 and 100% of the soft palate. The radial forearm fasciocutaneous free flap was used in all cases. The outcome of reconstruction was analysed by patient questionnaire and with standardised tests of speech and swallowing function. Velopharyngeal function post-operatively ranged from poor to near normal. Poor function appeared due to the loss of active elevation and contracture of the reconstructed palate producing failure of velopharyngeal closure during swallowing and speech. The results emphasise the limitations of reconstruction of a dynamic structure such as the soft palate with the static fold of skin and soft tissue produced by a fasciocutaneous flap. The relatively poor results obtained suggest that an anatomical approach to soft palate reconstruction is inadequate and reduction of the calibre of the velopharyngeal aperture is required to compensate for the lack of mobility in the reconstructed palate.

Use of the buccal fat pad in the reconstruction and prosthetic rehabilitation of oncological maxillary defects

We evaluated the effectiveness of the buccal fat pad as a pedicled flap for intraoral reconstruction after partial maxillectomy for neoplastic disease in 24 patients, and subsequently, in providing support for a denture. In all patients the buccal fat pad was covered with a split-skin graft and an acrylic plate. There was complete healing of the buccal fat pad flap within 6 weeks in 18 patients with no major complications, and minimal effects on speech and eating. In six cases there was partial dehiscence of the flap, which healed spontaneously in one patient and was repaired with local flaps in two others. There were no cases of complete breakdown of the flap. Eight patients so far have been rehabilitated with small dentures. In conclusion, the buccal fat pad flap is a simple, quick, and reliable method of reconstruction of small to medium-sized posterior maxillary alveolar defects.

Reconstruction of mandibular defects following tumor ablation by vertical distraction osteogenesis using intraosseous distraction devices

OBJECTIVES

Distraction osteogenesis has recently evolved a challenging technique to overcome major drawbacks of conventional augmentation procedures. We, therefore, report the application of miniaturized intraosseous distraction devices for the rehabilitation of mandibular defects due to ablative tumor surgery.

METHODS

In 10 patients who had undergone box-shaped or segmental resections, augmentation of the residual mandibular bone or of full thickness iliac crest grafts was performed by intraosseous implant-shaped distractors. Distraction and reconsolidation was monitored by ultrasonography. Implants were inserted within 1 week after active distraction. Median follow-up after implant insertion was 38 months.

RESULTS

On average, a vertical gain of 7.3 mm was obtained by distraction. Except for one case (local infection), all distraction zones showed complete ossification by radiologic and ultrasonographic evaluation. Overall 28 implants were placed in the distracted bone. Two implants were lost at 2.4 and 22 months after placement. The estimated 4-year implant survival rate in this population was 90%. For the endpoint 'bone loss' (>1.5 mm in the first and >1 mm in following years), the estimated 4-year success rate was 59% with four out of seven events occurring in a single patient (patient No. 1 of this series).

CONCLUSION

Vertical distraction by means of implant distractors could be performed with reasonable success in tumor patients with box-shaped resection defects or undercontoured bone grafts. Overall morbidity was very low. Even though blood supply is continuously maintained in distraction osteogenesis, bone resorption remains a critical issue for this reconstruction technique too.

[Rehabilitation of patients with newly generated malignant tumor of jaw-facial region with inner osseous implants]

Malignant tumors of the mouth cavity are characterized by aggressive progression as well as early metastasizing. As a rule, these patients need to undergo wide combined operations with resection of fragments of the jaw, causing some functional as well as psychosomatic disturbances. The purpose of the present investigation was the perfection of the methods for the rehabilitation of the given contingent of patients. The investigated patients (53 persons) underwent the treatment based on a single conception, i.e. on the 1st stage--chemical therapy, after elapsing of 4-6 weeks--radical surgical interference with a single moment plastic surgery, in the period of 6-8 months occurred total grafting of transplant tissue, giving an opportunity for implantation that was followed by prosthetic appliance. During the estimation of the results, various clinical and instrumental methods of investigation were taken into consideration. Summing up, we would like to note that application of inner bone implants with the subsequent prosthesis, seems to be an optimal method for maximal rehabilitation of patients with tumors of the jaw-facial region.

The use of free fibular flap for functional mandibular reconstruction

PURPOSE

The purpose of this investigation is to document our experience using the free vascularized fibular flap for comprehensive reconstruction of discontinuity defects in the mandible, after combined resections of malignant and aggressive odontogenic tumors, with special emphasis on functional aspect of the reconstruction process.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study group consisted of consecutive patients treated for reconstruction of discontinuity defects of the mandible, using the fibular vascularized free flap, between 1997-2002. All procedures were performed in the same hospital and by the same surgical team.

RESULTS

A total of 13 patients (9 males, 4 females) were treated in our department in a period of 6 years for reconstruction of discontinuity mandibular defects using the free fibula vascularized flap. Wound healing disturbances at the donor site occurred in 4 cases. Two flaps were lost, 1 because of total failure in a patient who was heavily irradiated because of osteosarcoma, the other because of resorption of the bone tissue transfer in a case of total avulsion of the mandible caused by a fall from height.

CONCLUSION

Fibula free vascularized flap is a safe and reliable method for comprehensive functional and esthetic mandibular defect reconstruction. Our protocol has a significant impact on preserving the patients quality of life.

Survey of oral rehabilitation in a consecutive series of 130 patients treated by primary resection for oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

The purpose of this study was to investigate the use of oral rehabilitation in a group of patients who had primary resection of oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma. Of 132 consecutive patients operated on for previously untreated disease between January 1995 and June 1997, 130 were recruited. The University of Washington Quality of Life questionnaire was completed on the day before operation at 6 and 12 months, and at last review. A larger similar dataset was used to predict survival. Twenty-eight patients (22%) were seen by the oral rehabilitation team. The median (IQR) time from operation to start of treatment was 12 months (6-21). The median (IQR) time from beginning to end of rehabilitation was 14 months (5-49). Patients with larger tumours (P=0.06) and patients who were edentulous with dentures in the maxilla (P=0.07) were most likely to be seen for oral rehabilitation.

Prosthetic intervention in the era of microvascular reconstruction of the mandible--a retrospective analysis of functional outcome

PURPOSE

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the functional outcomes of patients who had mandibular resection and reconstruction with and without prosthetic intervention, and to identify predictive factors that may have an impact on functional outcomes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred twenty head and neck cancer patients who had undergone mandibular resection and reconstruction with at least 6 months of postoperative convalescence formed the basis of this retrospective review. Patients who did not receive prosthetic intervention formed group I (n = 142); those who received prosthetic intervention formed group II (n = 78). Functional outcomes were measured using four individual assessments (nutritional status, swallowing, masticatory performance, and speech) and one that combined the information from these assessments, the global measure of functional outcome (GMFO). Statistical analyses were used to compare the baseline characteristics and functional outcome between groups I and II and to analyze independent predictors for GMFO.

RESULTS

Of the 220 patients reviewed, 78 (35%) had prosthetic intervention; group II patients had better individual functional outcome measures and GMFO. Use of a prosthesis remained associated with GMFO after controlling for other significant predictors; other independent predictors were xerostomia, number of remaining mandibular teeth, number of tooth-to-tooth contacts, type of reconstruction, flap interference, and tongue defect. Patients who had fewer mandibular teeth and received a smaller prosthesis had better overall outcome than patients who received a larger prosthesis.

CONCLUSION

Patients who had prosthetic intervention after mandibular reconstruction had significantly better functional outcomes than patients who did not receive prosthetic intervention, even after adjusting for confounding variables.