LONG-TERM EVALUATION OF PATIENTS UNDERGOING IMMEDIATE MANDIBULAR RECONSTRUCTION

BACKGROUND: Immediate reconstruction following segmental mandibulectom y is an accepted surgical technique. The benefits and patient selectio n criteria need to be established. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-seven p atients who underwent immediate reconstruction of the mandible were fo llowed for up to 14 years. Survival, complication rates, and functiona l results were analyzed. RESULTS: Median survival was 39 months and ac tuarial 5-year survival was 40%. Two patients died in the postoperativ e period, and 9 suffered major reconstruction-related complications. T he majority of these complications were related to the use of reconstr uction plates, and occurred when the mandibular defect included the ar ch or when the plates were covered by pectoralis flaps. Half of the pa tients interviewed were able to eat a regular diet. CONCLUSIONS: Mandi bular reconstruction can be performed safely and expeditiously in near ly all patients undergoing segmental mandibulectomy. Functional result s and long-term survival will be acceptable in many cases.