Long-term Results of Mandibular Reconstruction Using Mandibular Reconstruction Plate After Resection of Mandibular Region Against Malignant Tumor

Abstract

PURPOSE: In the mandibular reconstruction after resection of the mandibular region against malignant tumor, there are cases where a method using a mandibular reconstruction plate is selected depending on the patient’s general condition or stage. Problems of infection, manifestation, breakage of plate in the lower jaw. This time, we investigated long-term outcome of surgery on mandibular reconstruction using reconstruction of lower jaw performed at our hospital, surgery >10 years ago. However, there are few reports of long-term results. METHODS: From January 1993 to December 2008, for patients who underwent reconstruction of the mandible using the mandibular reconstruction plate at the National Cancer Center Hospital East after mandibular region resection, using a medical record and retrospectively. RESULTS: There were 52 patients who underwent mandibular reconstruction using the mandibular reconstruction plate during the same period, among which 38 patients were able to use medical record. In 38 cases, 26 men, 12 females, average age 78 ± 15 years old, all cases were cases of mandibular cancer. All of the cases were done with the mandibular reconstruction plate and the flap used was 28 free rectus abdominis flaps, 7 anterolateral thigh flaps, and 3 forearm flaps. The follow-up period was 38.6 ± 7 months (1–169 months), 5 cases of wound departure, 5 infections, 2 cases of infection, and 3 cases of plate exposure as postoperative complications. Thirty-three of 38 deaths occurred within 10 years, and 5 cases were observed after ≥10 years, among which 4 cases did not cause problems on the mandibular reconstruction plate. DISCUSSION: Mandibular cancer requiring reconstructive surgery often has advanced disease stage and has poor prognosis. In addition, patients are often older, and long-term follow-up was accompanied with difficulties. Long-term results were examined in the range that could be observed.