[Restoration of the mandible after trans-mandibular approach of invasive tumors of the oropharynx (43 cases)]. / La réparation de la mandibule après abord transmandibulaire des tumeurs étendues de l'oropharynx (43 cas).

Preservation of the mandible is often possible in surgery of invasive malignant tumors of the oropharynx. From 1983 to 1993, we operated 158 T3 of the oropharynx: 73% with mandibulectomy and 27% with osteotomy (43 cases). Now, the osteotomy of the mandible is performed in more than 90% of the patients. The osteosynthesis needs two titanium plates; the pharyngoplasty is made with a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. Followup: 36 cases of 43 gave satisfactory results. The osteotomy complication rate was 5 (12%): 5 osteitis (2 after radiotherapy).