title: Current strategies in reconstruction of maxillectomy defects.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To outline a contemporary review of defect classification and reconstructive options.
  
  
  METHODS
  Review article.
  
  
  METHODS
  Tertiary care referral centers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Although prosthetic rehabilitation remains the standard of care in many institutions, the discomfort of wearing, removing, and cleaning a prosthesis; the inability to retain a prosthesis in large defects; and the frequent need for readjustments often limit the value of this cost-effective and successful method of restoring speech and mastication. However, flap reconstruction offers an option for many, although there is no agreement as to which techniques should be used for optimal reconstruction. Flap reconstruction also involves a longer recovery time with increased risk of surgical complications, has higher costs associated with the procedure, and requires access to a highly experienced surgeon.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The surgeon and reconstructive team must make individualized decisions based on the extent of the maxillectomy defect (eg, the resection of the infraorbital rim, the extent of palate excision, skin compromise) and the need for radiation therapy.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Chile Clinical Hospital and Hospital del Trabajador de Santiago, Santiago, Chile.
authors.forename: Patricio
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Andrades
authors.forename: Oleg
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Militsakh
authors.forename: Matthew M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Hanasono
authors.forename: Jana
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Rieger
authors.forename: Eben L
authors.initials: EL
authors.lastname: Rosenthal
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008437:Maxilla / Q000601:surgery*; D019919:Prosthesis Implantation; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D013524:Surgical Flaps