Comparison of maxillectomy patients with immediate versus delayed obturator prosthesis placement.
OBJECTIVE
To compare maxillectomy patients with immediate versus delayed placement of an obturator prosthesis in terms of patient outcomes.


METHODS
Retrospective review.


METHODS
The outcomes of 23 maxillectomy patients seen between 1975 and 1993 at St. Joseph's Health Centre in London, Ontario, were analyzed.


METHODS
For 17 patients, a prosthesis was placed immediately as part of the operative procedure, and for 6 patients, an occlusive dressing only was placed.


RESULTS
In all parameters studied (length of stay, i.v. requirements, swallowing, clear fluid diet and ambulation), the prosthesis group progressed more quickly and had a more rapid return to normal function.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates the benefits of immediate prostheses for maxillectomy patients and justifies their continued use.
Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, Faculty of Medicine, London.
H J
HJ
Lapointe
H B
HB
Lampe
S M
SM
Taylor
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001458:Bandages; D003289:Convalescence; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008441:Maxillary Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D008447:Maxillofacial Prosthesis; D008875:Middle Aged; D010158:Palatal Obturators; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011182:Postoperative Care; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome