Radiotherapeutic management of an orocutaneous defect with a balloon-retaining stent.

Maxillary resection defects have traditionally been technically difficult to treat with conventional radiation therapy. The irregular contours of the defect lead to an uneven distribution of the radiation doses. The potential to undertreat defects of microscopic involvement may leave residual disease. Tissue morbidity is high at isolated "hot spots" or at locations of excessive dose distribution. The use of a water-filled balloon bolus in conjunction with a balloon-retaining stent can significantly improve treatment efficacy and decrease tissue morbidity. This article describes a technique for the fabrication of a balloon-retaining stent for an orocutaneous defect.