Effects of hemimandibulectomy on quality of life.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the quality of life and functional status of patients who have undergone hemimandibulectomy based on the type of reconstructive procedure performed.


METHODS
Survey, retrospective.


METHODS
Twenty-one patients who had undergone hemimandibulectomy and had similar defects were divided into two groups based on the reconstructive technique utilized. Eleven patients were placed in the soft tissue reconstruction group. Ten patients were placed in the mandible reconstruction group. All patients were assessed for: function, utilizing the Performance Status Scale, and quality of life, using a general cancer questionnaire (FACT-G) and a series of questions specific for head and neck cancer patients.


RESULTS
Mandible reconstruction produced a perceived better physical appearance (P = .02), better eating ability (P = .04), and a better overall quality of life (P = .002). The mandible reconstruction cohort consistently outscored the soft tissue cohort on all questionnaires.


CONCLUSIONS
Restoration of mandibular continuity after hemimandibulectomy leads to improved function and a superior quality of life in appropriately selected patients.
University of Cincinnati, Department of Otolaryngology, Ohio 45267-0528, USA.
K M
KM
Wilson
N M
NM
Rizk
S L
SL
Armstrong
J L
JL
Gluckman
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome