Sagittal ostectomy of the mandible for floor of mouth cancer.

The removal of a full-thickness portion of the anterior part of the mandible can result in significant cosmetic deformity and serious functional disability. Anterior sagittal ostectomy of the mandible obviates the need for resection of the mandible. This surgical technique has the following advantages: (1) permits an en bloc resection of the entire lingual cortical plate of the mandible and the floor of the mouth, (2) maintains facial contour and oral cavity function, (3) can be combined with any soft-tissue reconstructive procedure, and (4) does not require a future mandibular reconstructive procedure.