The SECONDI MAPZ(©) system: new approach for the classification of oncological defects of the midface.

The appearance and function of the midface are crucial physiologically, psychologically, and aesthetically, and defects in the region can be devastating. Most of these defects are caused by operations for cancer, for which surgical access and rehabilitation can be challenging. Clinical evidence in midfacial ablative surgery is limited because differences between existing classifications do not allow a uniform approach to data recording, which makes comparison difficult.

The SECONDI MAPZ(©) system: a practical guide and proof of concept.

The SECONDI MAPZ(©) system is a new, simple, and logical classification of oncological defects of the midface that combines regional anatomy, 3-dimensional visualisation, and the hierarchy of functional priorities. In this paper, we provide clinical and radiographic examples of defects of varying complexity to illustrate the application of the system, to highlight its versatility, and to give practical clinical and radiological guidance on its use. We hope that its introduction will result in better communication of information, and the collection of more uniform data with which to compare outcomes, and ultimately will facilitate evidence-based practice in head and neck oncology.