Extraoral maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center: a survey of patient attitudes and opinions.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

Measures of satisfaction after extraoral maxillofacial prosthetic rehabilitation have been sparsely reported.

PURPOSE

This article reviews the care-related opinions of patients who were provided extraoral prostheses at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center over the course of 10 years.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A questionnaire was delivered to 263 extraoral prosthetic patients to elucidate their degree of satisfaction with several parameters, including prosthetic use, care, quality, durability, longevity, and cost. In addition, issues relating to self-image, socialization frequency, and income-earning ability before and after rehabilitation were surveyed.

RESULTS

The views of 76 respondents demonstrated a general satisfaction with their prostheses. A majority believed that their prostheses fit comfortably, and most were satisfied with cosmesis. In addition, a preponderance of respondents reported no substantial alteration in social activity after rehabilitation. Although the number of respondents relying on their own employment fell by more than 50% after rehabilitation, nearly all reported a relatively static income before and after rehabilitation.

CONCLUSION

The survey revealed a high degree of patient satisfaction with extraoral maxillofacial prostheses. Nevertheless, areas of potential improvement were not lost on the survey's population. The patients desired prostheses that last longer and have improved color stability. An interest in improved retentive mechanisms was mentioned by several patients, and only about half of the respondents perceived prosthetic cost to be completely reasonable.