Immediate Reconstruction of a Large Mandibular Defect of Locally Invasive Benign Lesions (A New Method)

Abstract

Locally invasive benign tumor and large lesions such as ameloblastoma, giant cell granuloma, odontogenic keratocyst, and odontogenic myxoma are a benign, invasive, lesions of the jaws that predominantly affects the mandible. Despite the benign nature of these lesions, there is a high rate of local recurrence after curettage, which usually requires resection. The traditional surgical approach for resection of these lesions, via either mandibulotomy or mandibulectomy is extraoral approach which is associated with significant functional and esthetic sequelae. A case series is presented here in which less invasive and intraoral approach. An intraoral approach provides wide and fast access to the mandible. This approach represents a less invasive alternative that provides access to the mandible for curative resection of benign tumors with minimal postoperative sequelae. At 5 years follow-up, there were minimal functional and esthetic defects. We explored the use of the less invasive and more esthetic incision as an approach to resection and reconstruction of the mandible. It is our belief that these concerns have been best addressed by the minimally invasive procedure used in this report. This approach resulted in a minimal esthetic and functional defect even though a massive mandibular resection was performed.