Open AccessAssessment of Masticatory Function in Oral Cancer Patients with Mandibulectomy Followed by Pectoralis Major Myocutaneous Flap Reconstruction
Author(s) -
Kumar Vinchurkar,
Rashmi S Patil,
Manoj D. Togale,
Vishwanath M Pattanshetti
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
indian journal of surgical oncology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.231
H-Index - 16
eISSN - 0976-6952
pISSN - 0975-7651
DOI - 10.1007/s13193-019-00955-0
Subject(s) - medicine , mastication , oral cavity , masticatory force , surgery , surgical oncology , mandible (arthropod mouthpart) , form and function , cancer , dentistry , botany , biology , genus , psychology , cognitive science
Mandibular resections have a dramatic effect on oral cavity functions. Ablative surgical defects are complex which are better reconstructed with free flaps. In developing countries like India, where majority of patients come from low socioeconomic status, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap is the most preferred reconstructive option. A retrospective questionnaire study was carried out to assess the mastication in patients with mandibulectomy followed by pectoralis major myocutaneous flap reconstruction. At the end of the study, it was observed that 86.6% of the patients had a good performance despite the lack of bony reconstruction. Thus, pectoralis major myocutaneous flap still stands strong in reconstructing large oral cavity defects.