Composite resection without mandibular reconstruction.

While composite resection remains the fundamental surgical approach to carcinoma of the posterior oral cavity, removal or reconstruction of the adjacent segment of mandible remains contentious. Various grafts have been used with less than satisfactory and unpredictable results. Bone has been brought in, borrowed, reshaped, and implanted into the area of mandibular deficit; mandibular osteotomy has been attempted with primary closure as well. A review of 78 composite resections at Upstate Medical Center reveals that of this number, 61 have undergone primary lateral mandibulectomy without reconstruction while four others have undergone more extended resection without reconstruction at the time of initial surgery. In the others, mandibular reconstruction has been unsatisfactory; mandibular osteotomy in the presence of irradiated tissue has been unsuccessful in all cases. In our experience, satisfactory results, functionally and cosmetically, have been attained with partial mandibulectomy and primary closure of the wound obviating more involved reconstructive procedures. A review of therapy with attention to surgical detail, complications, and results is presented.