title: Morbidities after maxillary swing nasopharyngectomy for recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The purpose of this study was to investigate the complications after maxillary swing nasopharyngectomy.
  
  
  METHODS
  Salvage nasopharyngectomy was performed for 338 patients during 1990 to 2012. Patient and tumor characteristics, perioperative and intraoperative information, and long-term morbidities were analyzed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were significantly more patients with locally advanced tumors (rT3 and rT4) operated during the recent study period (2002-2012). However, the mean operative time and blood loss was significantly lower than in the earlier period (1990-2001). There was no hospital mortality. There was a significant reduction in the postoperative trismus and palatal fistula formation. Patients with locally advanced tumor, particularly those who required adjuvant chemoradiation, had a higher chance of facial numbness, nasal blockage, and swallowing problems after surgery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Salvage nasopharyngectomy via the maxillary swing approach is safe with acceptable long-term morbidities. Prevention of complications associated with surgery, particularly for patients with locally advanced tumors, is crucial to ensure the best outcome of surgery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Division of Head and Neck Surgery, Centre for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Research, University of Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong SAR, China.
authors.forename: Jimmy Yu Wai
authors.initials: JY
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Raymond King Yin
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Tsang
authors.forename: William Ignace
authors.initials: WI
authors.lastname: Wei
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D059248:Chemoradiotherapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009303:Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D009364:Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / Q000601:surgery* / Q000628:therapy; D013517:Otorhinolaryngologic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D010611:Pharyngectomy / Q000379:methods; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: complications; maxillary swing; morbidities; recurrent nasopharyngeal carcinoma; salvage