Hj. Lapointe et al., COMPARISON OF MAXILLECTOMY PATIENTS WITH IMMEDIATE VERSUS DELAYED OBTURATOR PROSTHESIS PLACEMENT, Journal of otolaryngology, 25(5), 1996, pp. 308-312
Objective: To compare maxillectomy patients with immediate versus dela
yed placement of an obturator prosthesis in terms of patient outcomes.
Design: Retrospective review. Outcome Measures: The outcomes of 23 ma
xillectomy patients seen between 1975 and 1993 at St. Joseph's Health
Centre in London, Ontario, were analyzed. Methods: For 17 patients, a
prosthesis was placed immediately as part of the operative procedure,
and for 6 patients, an occlusive dressing only was placed.Results: In
all parameters studied (length of stay, IV requirements, swallowing, c
lear fluid diet and ambulation), the prosthesis group progressed more
quickly and had a more rapid return to normal function. Conclusion: Th
is study demonstrates the benefits of immediate prostheses for maxille
ctomy patients and justifies their continued use.