Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the dynamic of patients with oral and maxillofacial trauma: interrupted time-series analysis.

Oral and maxillofacial trauma is influenced by various factors, including regional characteristics and social background. Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a state of emergency was declared in Japan in March 2020. In this study, we aimed to examine the dynamics of patients with oral and maxillofacial trauma over a 12-years period using interrupted time-series (ITS) analysis. Patients were examined at the Shimane University Hospital, Maxillofacial Trauma Center from April 2012 to April 2023. In addition to general patient characteristics, data regarding the type of trauma and its treatment were obtained from 1203 patients (770 men and 433 women). Group comparisons showed significant differences in age, trauma status, method of treatment, referral source, route, and injury occasion. ITS analysis indicated significant changes in combined nasal fractures, non-invasive reduction, and sports injuries (P < 0.05), suggesting COVID-19 significantly impacted oral and maxillofacial trauma dynamics. A pandemic of an infectious disease may decrease the number of minor trauma cases but increase the number of injuries from outdoor activities, resulting in no overall change in the dynamics of the number of trauma patients. Medical systems for oral and maxillofacial trauma should be in place at all times, independent of infectious disease pandemics.

[A Case of Severe Skin Disorder during Pembrolizumab Treatment for Recurrent Maxillary Gingival Carcinoma].

Immune checkpoint inhibitors are known to produce immune-related adverse events(irAE)that require medical management. Herein, we report a case of a patient treated with pembrolizumab who experienced a Grade 3 interrupted skin disorder. The patient is a 67-year-old female diagnosed with right maxillary gingival squamous cell carcinoma(cT4aN0M0, Stage ⅣA)and underwent partial right maxillectomy, right extended supra-omohyoid neck dissection, and maxillary reconstruction using a forearm flap. Six months postoperatively, late lymph node metastases with extracapsular spread was found in the right buccal lymph node and the left neck, and the patient underwent right buccal lymphadenectomy and left modified radical neck dissection. After postoperative combined chemoradiotherapy(cisplatin plus IMRT)followed by 13 courses of cetuximab plus paclitaxel, a recurrent lesion was found in the right buccal region. After 8 courses of pembrolizumab, a skin rash appeared on the forearm, chest, and back, which was diagnosed as Grade 3 irAE, requiring hospitalization. The patient was re-instituted after waiting for improvement of the skin disorder. The pembrolizumab at 75% reduction dose was re-administrated, and the patient has been followed up so far.

A rare case of dentinogenic ghost cell tumor with concomitant odontoma.

Key Clinical Message: A case of dentinogenic ghost cell tumor occurring simultaneously with a clinically diagnosed odontoma. The occurrence of epithelial and mesenchymal tumors at the same site is very rare, but should be kept in mind during pathological diagnosis. Abstract: Dentinogenic ghost cell tumor (DGCT) is a rare and benign odontogenic tumor composed of ghost cells, calcified tissue, and dentin. We present an extremely rare case of a 32-year-old female who was clinically diagnosed with an odontoma presenting with a painless swelling in her maxilla. Radiographic examination showed a well-defined radiolucent lesion with tooth-like calcified areas. The tumor was resected under general anesthesia. No recurrence was noted at the 12-month follow-up. Histopathological examination of the surgically resected tumor yielded a diagnosis of DGCT with odontoma.

Postoperative Complications following Open Reduction and Rigid Internal Fixation of Mandibular Condylar Fracture Using the High Perimandibular Approach.

The high perimandibular approach is a feasible surgical technique for treating mandibular condylar fractures with open reduction and internal fixation, followed by fewer complications. Temporary trismus is the only postoperative complication that may occur. This study evaluated postoperative complications following open reduction and rigid internal fixation (OR-IF) of mandibular condylar fractures using the high perimandibular approach. Twenty consecutive patients undergoing OR-IF were included in this study. They included 11 male and 9 female patients, of an average age of 58.5 years, all of whom responded to a follow-up call at least 12 months after the surgery. All patients were evaluated for range of mouth opening, postoperative complications, and radiological findings. A statistical analysis of the relationship between range of mouth opening and related clinical parameters at 6 months postoperative evaluation was conducted. The fracture of the condylar neck was associated with a limited range of mouth opening and longer operation time. However, longer operation time was not associated with a limited range of mouth opening. The high perimandibular approach with OR-IF in mandibular condylar fractures is a feasible and safe technique; however, prolonged surgery and mandibular condylar neck fractures could affect the postoperative range of mouth opening.

[A Case of Reconstruction of the Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw Using the Patient-Specific Custom-Made Cutting Guide and Mandibular Reconstruction Plate].

Multidisciplinary treatment, combining ablative surgery and reconstruction, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, is used to treat advanced oral cancers. In this study, we report a case of extensive osteoradionecrosis of the mandible following multidisciplinary treatment for tongue cancer, in which a computer-assisted, patient-specific custom-made cutting guide and reconstruction plate(TruMatch® )were used to improve the patient's facial morphology and oral-maxillofacial functioning. A 70-year-old man received multidisciplinary treatment for squamous cell carcinoma of the left side of the tongue (cT3N2bM0, cStage ⅣA)at a previous hospital. Seven years postoperatively, bilateral osteoradionecrosis of the mandible developed, and the patient was referred to our department for further treatment. Since the lesions were extensive, we planned reconstructive surgery using the TruMatch® system in collaboration with the plastic surgery department of our hospital. Surgery was performed precisely and accurately according to the preoperative simulation. Postoperatively, the patient's recovery was uneventful. The TruMatch® system enables us to achieve good morphological and comprehensive functional oral-maxillofacial reconstruction.

Oral Dysfunction in Patients with Oral Cancer Could Occur Before Treatment and Require Early Nutritional Improvement: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Patients with oral cancer have poor nutritional status before treatment. However, there have been no reports of the detailed evaluation of preoperative oral function in patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the preoperative oral function of patients with OSCC and examine the relationship with nutritional status. Oral function measurements (microorganisms, oral dryness, occlusal force, tongue pressure, masticatory function, Eating Assessment Tool, and Postoperative Oral Dysfunction Scale) and Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) data were collected from 51 patients with OSCC (men: 37, women: 14, mean age: 72.1 years) who visited the Shimane University Hospital, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, from September 2019 to September 2021. The tongue was the most prevalent primary gingiva site [22 patients (43.1%)], and 36 patients (70.6%) had advanced cancer. Comparisons between nutritional status and each related factor revealed significant differences in the number of individuals in the household, cancer stage, presence of pulmonary disease, number of teeth, microorganisms (grade), and masticatory function (mg/dL) (p < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis using the total MNA-SF score as the dependent variable with adjustment for confounding factors showed significant association between oral dryness and tongue pressure (p < 0.05). No significant association was found for the Eating Assessment Tool or Postoperative Oral Dysfunction scale. Patients with OSCC may have decreased oral function because of the tumor at the time of diagnosis, which causes a decline in nutritional status. Preoperative interventions are necessary to improve nutrition based on the state of oral function.

[Two Cases of Advanced Lower Gingival Carcinoma Treated Surgically Using a Novel Patient-Specific Full Custom- Made Mandibular Reconstruction Plate System].

The treatment of advanced lower gingival carcinoma requires postoperative chemoradiotherapy; therefore, simultaneous hard-tissue reconstruction may not be indicated. In these cases, mandibular reconstruction is performed using a temporal reconstruction plate and various skin flaps. Herein, we reported 2 cases of advanced lower gingival carcinoma treated with a novel computer-assisted patient-specific, fully custom-made mandibular reconstruction plate system(Cosmofix®)in combination with a pedicle/free flap. In case 1, an 80-year-old female patient was diagnosed with right lower gingival carcinoma( cT4aN3bM0, Stage ⅣB). Under general anesthesia, she underwent tracheostomy, bilateral neck dissection, segmental mandibulectomy, and mandibular reconstruction using Cosmofix® in combination with an ulnar forearm free flap. In case 2, an 81-year-old male patient was diagnosed with right lower gingival carcinoma(cT4aN2bM0, Stage ⅣA). The patient underwent maintenance dialysis and required minimally invasive surgery using a pedicle flap. Under general anesthesia, the patient underwent tracheostomy, right modified radical neck dissection, segmental mandibulectomy, and mandibular reconstruction using Cosmofix® in combination with a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. Postoperative facial morphology, occlusion, eating, swallowing, articulation, and other dysfunctions were minimal in both the cases. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy was recommended. In conclusion, the utilization of the Cosmofix® system enabled both esthetic and functional reconstruction following segmental mandibulectomy for advanced lower gingival carcinoma.

[Effect of the Hyoid Bone Suspension Technique on the Preservation of Swallowing Function after Total Glossectomy and Pectoralis Major Musculocutaneous Flap Reconstruction for Locally Advanced Tongue Cancer].

Dysphagia is a major postoperative complication in patients with locally advanced oral cancer. In this case report, we describe the effect of the hyoid bone suspension technique on the preservation of swallowing function after total glossectomy and pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap reconstruction for locally advanced tongue cancer. Case: A 72-year-old Japanese male was diagnosed with advanced squamous cell carcinoma on the left side of his tongue(cT4aN2cM0, cStage ⅣA). Under general anesthesia, the patient underwent a tracheotomy, bilateral modified radical neck dissection type Ⅲ, total glossectomy, and reconstruction with a left pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap(PMMC flap). Intraoperatively, the PMMC flap was designed to have a heart shape of 11×6 cm and was elevated. Subsequently, holes were made at the lower edge of the mandible, and the hyoid bone was suspended and fixed to the mandibular border using 2-0 nylon sutures. The postoperative course was uneventful; the flap was completely engrafted and was in good condition. The hyoid bone suspension technique can reproduce the pharyngeal phase of swallowing, and the palatal augmentation prosthesis helps to improve food mass feeding and preserve the swallowing function.

[A Case of Recurrent Tongue Cancer in a Patient of AYA Generation Who Underwent Salvage Surgery and Oral-Maxillofacial Reconstruction after Super-Selective Intra-Arterial Chemoradiotherapy].

Radical tumor resection for oral cancer can cause morphological and esthetic disorders and oral and maxillofacial dysfunction and maintaining a social life could become challenging, especially in the adolescents and young adults(AYA)generation. Conversely, chemoradiotherapy for young patients may cause adverse reactions such as impaired fertility and late side effects of radiation. Therefore, treatment should be performed cautiously. We report a case of AYA generation patient who underwent salvage surgery and maxillofacial reconstruction for recurrent tongue cancer after super-selective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy. The patient was a 30-year-old woman who was 20 weeks pregnant. She was diagnosed with Stage Ⅲ squamous cell carcinoma of the right tongue, cT3N0M0. After abortion, the patient underwent super-selective intra-arterial chemoradiotherapy and achieved a complete response. However, 13 years later, a recurrence of Stage ⅣA tongue cancer, r- cT4aN2bM0, was reported. Additionally, the patient had osteoradionecrosis. We performed radical tumor resection(bilateral neck dissection plus subtotal glossectomy plus segmental mandibulectomy)and maxillofacial reconstruction with a fibula flap. Subsequently, we performed occlusal reconstruction treatment using dental implants. Three years postoperatively, no tumor recurrence was observed, and the patient was satisfied with the restored morpho-aesthetic and maxillo-oral functions.

Oral functional impairment may cause malnutrition following oral cancer treatment in a single-center cross-sectional study.

Oral dysfunction and dysphagia after oral cancer treatment are linked to altered nutritional status. We aimed to identify specific oral functions related to nutritional status. We conducted a cross-sectional study from September 2019 to December 2021, recruited 75 participants (median age: 72.0 years), including 52 males and 23 females, collected background data, and evaluated oral function. The Mini Nutritional Assessment-Short Form (MNA-SF) scores were divided into three groups (normal nutritional status, at risk of malnutrition, and malnourished), and a multi-group comparison was conducted for each oral function measurement (microorganisms, oral dryness, occlusal force, tongue pressure, masticatory function, and Eating Assessment Tool [EAT-10]). The primary tumor site was the tongue in 31 patients (41.3%), gingiva in 30 (40.0%), and others in 14 (18.7%). Multiple comparisons revealed significant differences in occlusal force, tongue pressure, masticatory function, and EAT-10 levels, categorized as Type I (Transport type) and Type III (Occlusion type) postoperative oral dysfunctions, between each MNA-SF group. Multiple regression analysis showed a statistically significant association with MNA-SF in terms of masticatory function and EAT-10 levels, categorized as Type I. Type I and Type III are risk factors for malnutrition, confirming that different types of postoperative oral dysfunction require unique nutritional guidance.

Discrepancy between subjective and objective postoperative oral dysfunction assessment after oral cancer treatment: A single-center cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: It has been reported that in many cancer types, the evaluation of complications and side effects of treatment differs between subjective and objective evaluations. The purpose of this study is to verify whether the evaluation of postoperative oral dysfunction following oral cancer treatment was consistent subjective and objective evaluations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study collected background data and evaluated the oral function (microorganisms, oral dryness, occlusal force, tongue pressure, masticatory function and eating assessment tool [EAT-10]) of 75 patients from September 2019 to December 2021. The postoperative oral dysfunction-10 (POD-10) was used for the subjective assessment of dysfunction in oral cancer patients. Also, Matsuda-Kanno classification was used for the objective assessment. The kappa coefficient between POD-10 and oral dysfunction was calculated for the degree of agreement. The relationship between oral function measurements and POD-10 was examined by multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: The patients' median age was 72.0 (25-75 percentile: 64.0-78.0) and 69.3% were male. The kappa coefficients indicating the degree of agreement with POD-10 were 0.41 (P < 0.01) for occlusal force, 0.27 (P = 0.01) for masticatory function, and 0.59 (P < 0.01) for EAT-10. Multiple regression analysis showed a significant association of occlusal force (ß = -0.33, P = 0.03) and EAT-10 (ß = 0.80, P < 0.01) with POD-10. CONCLUSIONS: For postoperative oral dysfunction type III (occlusal type), the evaluations of subjective and objective evaluations tended to be consistent. However, for type I (transport type) and II (oral hygiene type), these evaluations may be prone to overestimation or underestimation by either the medical professional or the patient.

[A Case of Cavernous Sinus Metastasis following of the Postoperative Maxillary Gingival Carcinoma].

We report a case of cavernous sinus metastasis following postoperative maxillary gingival squamous cell carcinoma. An 83-year-old man was referred to our hospital due to pain in the left maxillary gingiva. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging showed a mass lesion with bone destruction in the left maxillary gingiva. Biopsy indicated the presence of squamous cell carcinoma(T4bN1M0, Stage ⅣB), and the tumor was resected under general anesthesia. Four months after surgery, the patient experienced headache, and orbital pain, failing vision, and movement disorder of the left eye appeared. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor invading the cavernous sinus and orbit. The lesion was clinically diagnosed as metastatic cavernous sinus following postoperative left maxillary gingival carcinoma. Although the patient underwent chemotherapy, he died from multiple organ failure about 5 months after surgery.

[A Case of Lower Gingival Carcinoma Treated Surgically Using Computer-Assisted Patient-Specific Cutting Guide and Mandibular Reconstruction Plate].

We report a case of advanced lower gingival carcinoma treated with a computer-assisted custom-made surgical guide and reconstruction plate system(TruMatch®)in combination with a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. In a 74-year-old male patient, a neoplastic lesion with a 30×30 mm periapical induration was observed around an extraction socket of left mandibular third molar. After various examinations, we diagnosed lower gingival carcinoma(cT4aN2bM0, Stage ⅣA). The patient was a paraplegic with a spinal cord injury, and reconstruction of mandible with free flap was not indicated, requiring minimally invasive surgery. Therefore, a surgical guide and reconstruction plate were prepared preoperatively using the Tru- Match® system. Under general anesthesia, the patient underwent tracheostomy, left modified radical neck dissection, segmental mandibulectomy, and reconstruction of the mandible using this system in combination with a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. Postoperatively, the patient had minimal dysfunction. Currently, at 18 months follow up postoperatively, good prognosis was observed. In conclusion, this is a useful surgical system with accurate and less invasive surgery for segmental mandibulectomy of advanced lower gingival carcinoma.

[Oral Function Restoration via Two-Stage Reconstructive Treatment of an Extensive Maxillary Defect Following Maxillectomy].

Recently, the number of survivors that had oral cancer has increased, but deterioration in the quality of life of patients concerning oral function and cosmetic appearance has become problematic. Prosthodontic dentures usefully treat jaw defects after maxillary resection for cancer, but advances in microsurgery have rendered the possibility to reconstruct maxillary defect and oral cavity using a microvascular flap. Here, we describe 2-stage treatment after 35 years postoperatively. We restored the maxillofacial function using microvascular flaps and partial denture. The patient was a 59-year-old woman who underwent left lateral maxillectomy 35 years previously to treat an advanced left maxilla gingival carcinoma. A maxillary prosthesis was applied, requiring repeated adjustments and refabrications. The patient visited to obtain improvements for oral and maxillofacial functions and long-term quality of life. The left maxillary bone defect was 45×50 mm in area. Collaborating with the Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, the patient underwent reconstructive treatment using a microvascular forearm flap and partial denture. The patient's progress was excellent; eating, swallowing, and articulation improved. For 1 year postoperatively, the patient was satisfied with the results.

[A Case of Tongue Carcinoma with Malignant Transformation Caused by the Pandemic].

In April 2020, a state of emergency was declared because of the pandemic, and the public was instructed to refrain from leaving their homes. Consequently, this stirred up anxiety about visiting medical institutions. Here, we describe a case of tongue carcinoma that developed from an oral precancerous lesion into a malignant transformation owing to the effects of refraining from medical examinations caused by the pandemic. The patient was a 62-year-old woman. In March 2020, the patient became aware of a mass at the tongue's margin and was referred to our department. An excisional biopsy was performed, and a diagnosis of inflammatory change was made. The following month, a white ulcerative lesion was found, and another excisional biopsy was performed; therefore, a diagnosis of left tongue leukoplakia without epithelial dysplasia was made. The patient was scheduled for surgery; however, refused treatment and consultation because of the pandemic. In September 2021, the patient revisited our department on her own volition because an ulcerative lesion with indistinct borders and induration was found at the left lingual margin. Upon close examination, a diagnosis of left tongue squamous cell carcinoma(cT2N2bM0, Stage ⅣA)was made. In October 2021, radical tumor resection and reconstruction were performed. After 8 months postoperatively, the patient is currently well.

Development of a Subjective Symptom Rating Scale for Postoperative Oral Dysfunction in Patients with Oral Cancer: Reliability and Validity of the Postoperative Oral Dysfunction Scale-10.

Currently, there is no scale to subjectively assess postoperative oral dysfunction in patients with oral cancer. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Postoperative Oral Dysfunction Scale (POD-10) that we developed. Between September 2019 and August 2021, 62 eligible oral cancer patients (median age, 72 years; 42 men and 20 women) were enrolled in the study. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient, which indicates the internal consistency of the scale, was 0.94, and the intraclass correlation coefficient, which indicates reproducibility, was 0.85 (95% confidential interval: 0.40-0.96, p < 0.05). Concurrent validity testing showed a statistically significant correlation between POD-10 and Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) (r = 0.89, p < 0.05). To test discriminant validity, statistically significant differences were found between early-stage cancer (stage I and II) and advanced-stage cancer (stage III and IV) (p < 0.05). Twenty-four points were calculated as the cutoff value for POD-10 using receiver operating characteristic analysis to calculate the cutoff value. The POD-10 was shown to be a clinically reliable and valid scale that can be used to subjectively assess postoperative oral dysfunction in patients with oral cancer and is expected to be used as a simple diagnostic tool.

Relationship between Oral Bacterial Count and Postoperative Complications among Patients with Cardiovascular Disease Treated by Surgery: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

In this retrospective observational study, we evaluated the relationship between perioperative oral bacterial counts and postoperative complications in cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients. From April 2012 to December 2018, all patients scheduled for surgery received perioperative oral management (POM) by oral specialists at a single center. Tongue dorsum bacterial counts were measured on the pre-hospitalization day, preoperatively, and postoperatively. Background data were collected retrospectively. Among the 470 consecutive patients, the postoperative complication incidence rate was 10.4% (pericardial fluid storage, n = 21; postoperative pneumonia, n = 13; surgical site infection, n = 9; mediastinitis, n = 2; and seroma, postoperative infective endocarditis, lung torsion, and pericardial effusion, n = 1 each). Oral bacterial counts were significantly higher in the pre-hospitalization than in the pre- and postoperative samples (p < 0.05). Sex, cerebrovascular disease, and operation time differed significantly between complications and no-complications groups (p < 0.05). Multivariate analysis with propensity score adjustment showed a significant association between postoperative oral bacterial count and postoperative complications (odds ratio 1.26; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.60; p = 0.05). Since the development of cardiovascular complications is a multifactorial process, the present study cannot show that POM reduces complications but indicates POM may prevent complications in CVD patients.

Postoperative oral dysfunction following oral cancer resection and reconstruction: A preliminary cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Oral cancer treatment reportedly causes decreased oral function, but few studies have examined the effects of oral cancer treatment on oral function in depth. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the oral function after treatment and classify the conditions related to oral dysfunction in patients with oral cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited participants, collected their background data, and evaluated their oral function from September 2019 to March 2021. Principal component analysis was used to identify the components of oral function measurement and oral health perception. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to investigate the accuracy of oral function measurements in predicting oral intake and nutritional status. RESULTS: Fifty patients treated for oral cancer, including 33 (66.0%) males and 17 (34.0%) females, were included. Their median age was 71.0 years (interquartile range: 63.0-76.0). There were significant differences in oral dryness between males and females, occlusal force among different age groups, tongue pressure based on the tumor stage and performance of reconstructive procedures, and masticatory function and Eating Assessment Tool scores based on whether radiotherapy was performed (P < 0.05). The principal component analysis proposed that oral function measurements and subjective oral health perception could be divided into three main components (transport, oral hygiene, and occlusion type), which explain 61.5% of the variance of the phenomenon. CONCLUSION: A significant decrease in oral function after oral cancer treatment should be diagnosed as postoperative oral dysfunction. Postoperative oral dysfunction can be classified into three types, each of which may present with different pathologies.

[Mass Screening of Oral Cancer in Eastern Shimane Prefecture during 2015-2019].

The Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, has been conducting mass screening of oral cancer using oral abrasion cytology by oral surgeons in eastern Shimane prefecture for public awareness and its early detection. As a result, 3(0.09%)cases of oral cancer were identified. Case 1: The patient was diagnosed with well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma in the floor of the mouth(pT1N0M0, Stage Ⅰ)after undergoing Matsue city oral cancer screening in 2016. Case 2: The patient underwent oral cancer screening in Izumo city in 2018 and was diagnosed with verrucous carcinoma in the back of the tongue(pT1N0M0, Stage Ⅰ). Case 3: The patient was diagnosed with highly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of the palate(pT1N0M0, Stage Ⅰ)after undergoing the Izumo city oral cancer screening in 2019. Awareness of oral cancer is important, and cancer screening by oral surgeons using cytology is highly useful and should be continued in the future.

[A Clinical Study of Orofacial Defect Reconstruction Using a Modified Submental Island Flap following Oral Cancer Resection].

INTRODUCTION: Pedicled flaps are used in orofacial defect reconstruction in older patients and patients with underlying diseases. The submental island flap(SIF)is one type of cervical pedicled flap; however, the modified submental island flap (MSIF), which includes mylohyoid muscle, is a simpler and safer type. Here, we report a clinical study of orofacial defect reconstruction using the MSIF following oral cancer resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From January 2019 to December 2020, we retrospectively examined 10 cases of reconstruction using the MSIF following oral squamous cell carcinoma resection. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 7 men and 3 women with a mean age of 76.0(66-88)years. The primary sites were lower gingiva(n=5), tongue(n=3), and buccal mucosa in(n=2). Surgical procedures included marginal mandibulectomy( n=3), segmental mandibulectomy(n=1), partial glossectomy(n=2), hemiglossectomy(n=1), buccal mucosa resection(n=2), and combined partial glossectomy and segmental mandibulectomy(n=1). The average flap size was 61.4×36.0 mm. The average time of flap elevation was 32.4(23-50)minutes. During orofacial surgery using the MSIF, organs adjacent to the primary site could also be reconstructed. There were no complications in any patients. CONCLUSION: The MSIF is useful for orofacial defect reconstruction in older patients and patients with underlying diseases.