Mandibulotomy and radical radiotherapy: compatible or not?

The mandibular swing, as an approach to upper aerodigestive tract malignancies, has been gaining popularity in recent years. Little has been reported in the literature as to the feasibility of this procedure in subjects having received radical preoperative radiotherapy. The preliminary results of a retrospective analysis of 23 subjects, 70% of whom received radical preoperative radiotherapy, is presented. There was no statistically significant difference between the complication rates in the irradiated and nonirradiated subject populations. All subjects, ultimately, were orally rehabilitated.