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. 2010 Oct 1;1(3):e2.
doi: 10.5037/jomr.2010.1302. eCollection 2010.

Long-Term Surgical Complications in the Oral Cancer Patient: a Comprehensive Review. Part II

Antonia Kolokythas  1
Affiliations

Long-Term Surgical Complications in the Oral Cancer Patient: a Comprehensive Review. Part II

Antonia Kolokythas. J Oral Maxillofac Res. .

Abstract

Objectives: Surgery remains the preferred treatment for the majority of oral cancers. The aim of the present article was to provide a comprehensive review of complications associated with surgical treatment of oral cancer including hardware failure; complications associated with choice of reconstruction, donor site morbidity as well as functional and aesthetic issues that impact on the quality of life.

Material and methods: The available English language literature relevant to complications associated with surgical treatment of oral cancer was reviewed. Complications associated with potential for disfigurement, choice of reconstruction, donor site morbidity as well as functional and aesthetic issues that impact on the quality of life are summarized.

Results: In total 35 literature sources were obtained and reviewed. The topics covered in the second part of this review series include hardware failure, scars and fistula formation; complications associated with choice of reconstruction, donor site morbidity as well as functional and aesthetic issues.

Conclusions: Cancer resection should be planned around two very important concepts. First and foremost is the eradication of disease. This should be the ultimate goal of the ablative team and all potential complications that may be the result of appropriately executed oncologic resection should be discussed in details with the patient. Adequate reconstruction of the defects with restoration of form and function is the second, but not of less importance, goal for the successful care of the head and neck cancer patient.

Keywords: donor site complications; fistula.; hardware failure; oral cancer; postoperative surgical complications; scarring.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Oral nasal communication post anterior maxillectomy without the obturator in place.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Maxillary stent/obturator for use post maxillectomy procedures for speech, swallowing and aesthetics correction.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Chronic fistulas with drainage on the face and neck due to saliva leak and bacterial contamination of existing hardware.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Fractured displaced plate of the right mandible with draining fistula.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Exposed reconstruction plate due to contraction and scarring of the soft tissues.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Donor site scarring post pectoralis major myocutaneous flap harvest.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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