Evaluation of quality of life among patients after extirpation of mandibular ameloblastoma.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the quality of life (QOL) based on the functional, aesthetic and personal satisfaction among patients with ameloblastoma who underwent either partial or total mandibulectomy without reconstruction.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study.


METHODS
The Department of Oral Surgery and Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry; Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, Tanzania.


METHODS
Patients surgically treated for ameloblastoma without reconstruction. RESULTS. The postoperative problems were mostly associated with eating of solid foods, appearance and speech. All patients treated by total mandibulectomy had moderately severe problems with eating of solid foods and were dissatisfied with their appearance.


CONCLUSIONS
The relatively small tumours resulted in a much better QOL. Public awareness programmes to avoid late referral and treatment is the most effective way to reduce the number of patients who after treatment suffer a poor QOL.
Simon
E N M
EN
Department of Oral Surgery and Oral Pathology, School Dentistry, Muhimbili University College of Health Sciences, P.O. Box 65014 Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Merkx
M A W
MA
Kalyanyama
B M
BM
Shubi
F M
FM
Stoelinga
P J W
PJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000564:Ameloblastoma / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003796:Dental Service, Hospital; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008334:Mandible / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D008339:Mandibular Neoplasms / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D008875:Middle Aged; D019647:Oral Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011594:Psychometrics; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013636:Tanzania