Comparison of Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes of Microvascular Reconstruction with Other Forms of Reconstruction in Oral Cavity Malignancies

BACKGROUND Surgical resection is the main stay treatment in oral cancer. Different techniques were used by the surgeons for reconstruction of the normal anatomy. With these, a study was conducted to evaluate the outcome and quality of life in terms of conventional forms of reconstruction and functional outcome in both genders for oral cavity reconstruction. METHODS It was a hospital based non randomized study, conducted in the department of surgical oncology, Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and research centre, Bangalore from January 2017 to June 2018. Individuals aged 20 – 70 years with confirmed oral carcinoma were included; poor vascular supply of donor area, distant metastasis proved by chest X ray or abdominal ultrasound were excluded. Pre-structured proforma was used to collect the baseline data. ANOVA tests were used. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Majority (27.7 %) were in the age group 51 to 60 years and the male to female ratio was 0.56. Statistically, there was no significant association between gender and type of flaps. 60 % had carcinoma of left buccal mucosa and 40 % had right side carcinoma, statistically there was no significant difference. The mean number of nodes was 20.85 ± 9.52. Statistically, there was no significant association between type of flaps and number of lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS PMMC flap reconstruction is reliable and an affordable procedure with high success rate in achieving treatment goals. However, studies on large sample size for long term is required. KEYWORDS Oral Carcinoma, Microvascular Techniques, Local Flaps, Regional Flaps