SKIN-GRAFT RECONSTRUCTION OF THE COMPOSITE RESECTION DEFECT

Background. Reconstruction of the composite resection defect should pr ovide for adequate speech and swallowing functions. Poorly designed re constructive efforts can result in significant oral dysfunction. The c omposite resection defect can be reconstructed by a variety of methods . The split-thickness skin-graft method provides excellent speech and swallowing functions with minimal morbidity. Methods. Forty-three pati ents who underwent composite resections and were reconstructed by spli t-thickness skin graft (STSG) were analyzed. The patients' charts were reviewed for oncologic outcome, speech and swallowing functions, and length of hospital stay. Results. Speech and swallowing functions were excellent. At last follow-up, more than 90% of the patients tolerated either a soft or regular diet. The length of hospital stay was only 1 3 and 18 days for patients who underwent marginal and lateral segmenta l mandibulectomy, respectively. There were few complications. Radiatio n therapy had no adverse effects on the grafts. Conclusion. The STSG m ethod is our preferred method for reconstruction of marginal or latera l segmental mandibulectomy defects that do not require tissue bulk. (C ) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.