[Restoration of the mandible after trans-mandibular approach of invasive tumors of the oropharynx (43 cases)].

Preservation of the mandible is often possible in surgery of invasive malignant tumors of the oropharynx. From 1983 to 1993, we operated 158 T3 of the oropharynx: 73% with mandibulectomy and 27% with osteotomy (43 cases). Now, the osteotomy of the mandible is performed in more than 90% of the patients. The osteosynthesis needs two titanium plates; the pharyngoplasty is made with a pectoralis major myocutaneous flap. Followup: 36 cases of 43 gave satisfactory results. The osteotomy complication rate was 5 (12%): 5 osteitis (2 after radiotherapy).