Reconstruction after Mandibular Resection in Head and Neck Tumor / 대한이비인후과학회지

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mandible resection for head and neck tumors causes disturbance of mastication, deglutition, articulation, and cosmesis. Therefore, proper mandibular reconstruction is very important for physiologic and esthetic restoration. The purpose of this study is to compare the various methods of mandibular reconstruction. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This study was comprised of 13 cases of mandibular reconstruction at Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, from March 1991 to December 1994. All cases were analyzed according to the causes, size and sites of mandibular resection, timing of mandibular reconstruction and the methods of mandibular reconstruction. RESULTS: The majority of patients (11 cases) in this series underwent primary reconstruction. Eight patients underwent free tissue transfer for reconstruction, with special 4 cases of iliac free flap and 3 cases of fibular free flap. CONCLUSION: Even though there are many methods of mandibular reconstruction, primary reconstruction with free flaps using fibular and iliac bone, in particular, are suited for oromandibular defect.