Timing, results, and complications of mandibular reconstructive surgery: report of 32 cases.

Sufficient information concerning the difficulties encountered in reconstructive surgery is rarely provided in the literature. This study, which was performed on 32 patients, points out a high rate of complication; major and minor complications were encountered in 68.8% of the patients. Benign and traumatic lesions caused the fewest problems. Malignant lesions, particularly those receiving radiotherapy, had the greatest incidence of complications. Successful reconstruction was accomplished in 75% of the cases. The use of a corticocancellous autogenous graft is suggested in selected cases of malignant disease.