Mandibular reconstruction using pectoralis major myocutaneous flap and titanium plates after ablative surgery for locally advanced tumors of the oral cavity

Background : the most common indication for mandible resection remains ablative surgery for cancer of the oral cavity and oropharynx. The use of vascularized bone grafts has become state-of-the-art for mandibular reconstruction. However, the high cost of such surgery may not be justified in patients with advanced disease and poor prognosis, or poor performance status. Objective : the purpose of this study was to evaluate outcomes of mandibular reconstruction using titanium plates covered with a pedicle pectorals major my cutaneous flap after ablative surgery for locally advanced tumors of the oral cavity. Patients and methods : the study involves a total of 33 patients with locally advanced tumors of the oral cavity that were treated over 5 year period (2003-2008) at the National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Egypt. Mandibular resections were performed for treatment of patients with primary oral cavity tumors invading the mandible followed by mandibular reconstruction using titanium plates covered with a pedicle pectorals major my cutaneous Flap. Results : of 33 patients, 25 (75.75 %) were males and 8 (24.25 %) were females. The age ranged from 42 to 70 years (mean 52.3 ± 5.9 years). Tongue cancer was the most common tumor, it affects 17 (51.5 %) of the patients, 24 patients received post-operative radiation therapy. The flap survival was 100 % ; partial necrosis of the flap skin was observed in 3 patients. One patient developed wound dehiscence. Oro-cutaneous fistula occurred in 5 patients that closed spontaneously. There were 4 cases of plate failure, one patient experienced plate fracture at 13 months after reconstruction. Three patients developed external plate exposure. All patients achieved good functional and acceptable aesthetic outcome. The overall cause-specific cumulative survival was 72.7 % at one year and 56.1 % at two years. Conclusions : titanium plate and pedicle pectorals major my cutaneous flap is a safe and reliable option for composite mandibular defects.