Reconstruction after mandibulectomy for cancer.

Reconstruction after mandbulectomy for cancer presents a major problem in head and neck surgery. This study reports the experiences with a planned staged method of reconstruction that aims at both cosmetic and functional rehabilitation and that is based on a close cooperation between surgeon and prosthodontist. Stabilization of the remaining mandibular fragments by means of intermaxillary fixation at the time the tumor is resected, delayed bone grafting, and preprosthetic surgery to allow the use of a functional denture are the high points of the method. The results in 58 patients are discussed.