303P - Segmental mandibulectomy without reconstruction

Background

Mandibulectomy typically involves rigid reconstruction using autologous bone and titanium plates. However, in cases with poor performance status or complications as well as the elderly, choosing the optimal surgical method is difficult. For such cases in our hospital, we do not perform rigid reconstruction but opt for only soft tissue reconstruction or primary suturing at the defect site. Here, we retrospectively investigated cases where primary suturing was applied and discuss the utility of the procedure.

Methods

This retrospective study targeted cases of stage T4 lower gingival carcinoma treated with segmental mandibulectomy and primary suturing at the defect site between 1992 and 2018. Survey items were operative time, blood loss volume, perioperative complications, length of hospitalization, and food intake at discharge.

Results

There were 186 cases for which segmental mandibulectomy was performed during the target period, and 13 cases for which primary suturing was also performed. Median operative time was 210 (range, 124-328) min. Median blood loss was 212 (101-867) mL. Six cases had complications during the perioperative period, but in all cases cure was achieved by conservative treatment. Median length of hospitalization was 32 (20-49) days. All cases could tolerate oral intake at discharge.

Conclusions

Segmental mandibulectomy without reconstruction may be a viable surgical option for cases where free tissue reconstruction is not possible.

Clinical trial identification

Editorial acknowledgement

Legal entity responsible for the study

The authors.

Funding

Has not received any funding.

Disclosure

All authors have declared no conflicts of interest.