[On the indications for and morbidity of segmental resection of the mandible for squamous cell carcinoma in the lower oral cavity]

Abstract

Background: Segmental resection of the mandibula in oral cancer surgery leads to both functional and aesthetic problems. The decision to preserve or resect the mandible depends on the vicinity of the lesion to the bone. Consequently, based on the rules of safety margins to all planes that are recommended for soft tissues, each lesion that is closer than 10 mm to the mandible needs resection of the bone.

Patients and methods: To establish data-based treatment modalities, a retrospective study was initiated and the results from all preoperative staging investigations of 152 patients with intraoral squamous cell carcinoma who underwent continuity or marginal resection of the mandible were evaluated. The histological outcome of the resected bone was compared to the staging results. Functional rehabilitation and long-term follow-up including survival rates were evaluated. The study reports on typical complications following segmental resection such as fracture of the reconstruction plate and demonstrates experiences with secondary microsurgical reconstructive surgery.

Results: Mainly in cases of stage T1 and T2 carcinomas which are closer than 10 mm to the bone and clinically do not show any infiltration to the mandible, a marginal resection seems to be adequate. The decision about the extension of mandibular resection can be based on intraoperative cross sectional investigation of the periosteum. The survival rate of patients with intraoral carcinomas close to the mandible who underwent marginal mandibulectomy seems to be the same as in cases of continuity resection. A more conservative management of mandibular resection seems to be adequate and a data-based concept to standardize therapy of mandibular resection is presented.