Medical mandibulotomy, median mandibulolabial glossotomy and mandibular swing as surgical approaches

ABSTRACT

Medial mandibulotomy as a part of either median mandibular glossotomy or mandibular swing was used as an approach in five patients treated during a period of five years, from 1988 to 1992. As part of a median mandibular glossotomy it provided excellent approach in the lingual thyroid and growth of the posterior pharyngeal wall. As part of mandibular swing it provided excellent exposure of extensive parapharyngeal growths e.g. a neurofibroma and a hamartoma. One case of adenoid cystic carcinoma of the tonsil was also dealt with through this approach. It is felt that these surgical approaches though not commonly used are a valuable addition to the armamentarium of a head and neck surgeon in selected cases