Prosthetic Treatment after Oral Cancer Ablation / 대한연하장애학회지

ABSTRACT

Ablative surgery for oral cancer treatment results in tissue defect. Large tissue defect requires free flap reconstruction that requires long operation time. Maxillectomy involves the teeth and maxilla that separates the maxillary sinus and nasal cavity from oral cavity. Resection of the maxilla causes oro-antral or oro-nasal fistula, which results in difficulty while chewing and swallowing. Regurgitation of the ingested food into the maxillary sinus or nasal cavity makes it difficult for a patient to digest. Obliteration of the fistula is the most important part of dental prosthesis in patients who underwent maxillectomy. Local flap is indicated when the fistula is less than 10mm, however, larger sized defects are closed with free flap or obturator. The decision of treatments should be based on patient's general condition, risk of recurrence, size of the defect and financial aspect.