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Surgical rehabilitation following anterior resection for oral cavity carcinoma
Author(s) -
Donald Paul J.
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-198111000-00019
Subject(s) - medicine , drooling , swallowing , rehabilitation , deformity , tongue , reconstructive surgeon , oral cavity , palatal obturator , surgery , orthodontics , prosthesis , pathology , physical therapy
Abstract Resection of large tumors located in the anterior aspect of the oral cavity is commonly complicated by problems of functional disturbance and esthetic aberration. Oral incompetence with defects in swallowing and inadvertant drooling are often major hurdles to overcome. The cosmetic deformity produced by the loss of support of the anterior floor of mouth and tongue due to the resected mandibular arch provides one of the most challenging reconstructive exercises facing the head and neck surgeon. Surgical rehabilitation is most adequately achieved by a consideration of each physiological defect produced by the surgical alteration of each anatomical entity in the lower third of the face. Reestablishment of mandibular arch continuity is the keystone of the reconstructive effort; however, procedures that improve lip support, lingual mobility, and alveolar ridge enhancement are vital features in the rehabilitation of a functioning esthetically acceptable oral and perioral region.