Abraham Zavala1, Nidal F Al Deek1, Yang-Ming Chang2, Chi-Ying Tsai2, Fu-Chan Wei3. 1. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung University Medical College, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 199 Tun-Hwa North Road, Taipei 10591, Taiwan. 2. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung Medical College and Chang Gung University, Taipei, Taiwan. 3. Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Chang Gung University Medical College, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 199 Tun-Hwa North Road, Taipei 10591, Taiwan. Electronic address: fuchanwei@gmail.com.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: Mandibular defects involving the central segment are challenging. This study analyzes the impact of defect extent and reconstruction method on quality of life (QOL) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine ameloblastoma patients received segmental mandibulectomy involving the C-segment and immediate fibula free flap reconstruction were recruited. Defects: (C: 2, LC: 11, LCL: 19). Mean defect length: 8.79 cm (± 2.34). Inset: Low-single-barrel (n: 19), with secondary distraction osteogenesis (n: 8/19), high-single-barrel (n: 7), double barrel (n: 3). Patients were surveyed using University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) and Berlin risk of postoperative sleep apnea questionnaires. RESULTS: Flap failure: None. Mean follow-up: 109.6 ± 92.8 months. UW-QOL: Physical function 91.83 (± 14.92); social function 90.17 (± 17.19). No statistical difference between C, LC, and LCL was found, but C group which received low-single-barrel had the lowest score in appearance and chewing domains. In health-related QOL (HR-QOL) compared with 1 month before cancer, 69% reported best results. "Appearance" was the most important issue for the past 7 days, followed by "Chewing," prevailing in LC and C groups that predominately reconstructed by low-single-barrel. Berlin score: 7 patients (4 LCL, 3 LC≥8 cm) were at high risk for postoperative OSA. CONCLUSION: "Like-with-like" reconstruction with immediate endosteal dental implants yields the best results. Inset of fibula bone could affect outcomes, favoring double-barrel or single-high-barrel inset. Appearance and chewing remain the main concerns, largely, in those with low-single-barrel inset and no dental restoration. After long/extensive LCL and LC mandibulectomies, postoperative OSA warrants further investigation, and modification of resection/reconstruction techniques.
OBJECTIVES: Mandibular defects involving the central segment are challenging. This study analyzes the impact of defect extent and reconstruction method on quality of life (QOL) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine ameloblastomapatients received segmental mandibulectomy involving the C-segment and immediate fibula free flap reconstruction were recruited. Defects: (C: 2, LC: 11, LCL: 19). Mean defect length: 8.79 cm (± 2.34). Inset: Low-single-barrel (n: 19), with secondary distraction osteogenesis (n: 8/19), high-single-barrel (n: 7), double barrel (n: 3). Patients were surveyed using University of Washington Quality of Life (UW-QOL) and Berlin risk of postoperative sleep apnea questionnaires. RESULTS: Flap failure: None. Mean follow-up: 109.6 ± 92.8 months. UW-QOL: Physical function 91.83 (± 14.92); social function 90.17 (± 17.19). No statistical difference between C, LC, and LCL was found, but C group which received low-single-barrel had the lowest score in appearance and chewing domains. In health-related QOL (HR-QOL) compared with 1 month before cancer, 69% reported best results. "Appearance" was the most important issue for the past 7 days, followed by "Chewing," prevailing in LC and C groups that predominately reconstructed by low-single-barrel. Berlin score: 7 patients (4 LCL, 3 LC≥8 cm) were at high risk for postoperative OSA. CONCLUSION: "Like-with-like" reconstruction with immediate endosteal dental implants yields the best results. Inset of fibula bone could affect outcomes, favoring double-barrel or single-high-barrel inset. Appearance and chewing remain the main concerns, largely, in those with low-single-barrel inset and no dental restoration. After long/extensive LCL and LC mandibulectomies, postoperative OSA warrants further investigation, and modification of resection/reconstruction techniques.