Quality of life of patients with segmental mandibular resection and immediate reconstruction with plates.

PURPOSE

The surgical management of some head-and-neck pathology affects a patient's form and fundamental function and, eventually, the quality of the individual's daily life. Restoring mandibular continuity after resection will improve form, function, and eventually, quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of our limited restoration with immediate plate reconstruction after segmental mandibular resection on the QOL of patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 13 patients were included in the study. They were treated for benign but aggressive mandibular pathology. Treatment included segmental mandibular resection with immediate plate reconstruction. A modified University of Washington QOL questionnaire was used to assess QOL. Data on clinico-dermographic variables were also collated. A total of 17 surgeries were undertaken, with 16 implants placed.

RESULTS

Patients with smaller tumors seemed to have better QOL scores than those with larger tumors. The overall QOL scores for younger patients seemed better than those of older patients. Spontaneous regeneration of the mandible, occurring in our younger patients, was an added reason for this seemingly better QOL.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with segmental mandibulectomy and spontaneous mandibular regeneration tended to have a better QOL than those with no reconstruction and immediate plate reconstruction.