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Outcome of Mandibular Reconstruction with Fibula free Flaps: Retrospective Analysis of Complications

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Indian Journal of Otolaryngology and Head & Neck Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Rationale: Fibula free flap has become the workhorse for head and neck reconstruction. In this retrospective study we aimed at determining the outcomes of mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flaps. Methods: Any patient who underwent a mandibulectomy and reconstructed with vascularised fibula flap was included in the study. The predictor variables were age, sex, type of lesion, tobacco and alcohol use, tracheostomy, neck dissection, post operative radio and chemotherapy. Flap failure, fistulas, dehiscence, bone exposure and hardware complications were the outcomes. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: 242 patient records were selected for evaluation. PORT, CRT, neck dissection, no. of segments were the factors significantly associated with every complication. Malignant lesion was significantly associated with every complication except for plate fracture. Plate fracture although occurred more frequently with malignant diseases, the association was insignificant. Tobacco consumption was significantly associated with increased incidence of post –operative complications. Alcohol consumption was significantly associated with plate fracture, screw loosening, fistulas, bone exposure and flap failure. Conclusion: Overall the fibula free flap has a success rate of 90.0% with fistulas being the most significant complication.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Chennai, India

    Senthil Murugan

  2. Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dental Institute, Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences, Ranchi, India

    Rathindra Nath Bera

  3. Faculty of Dental Sciences Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India

    Preeti Tiwari

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  1. Senthil Murugan
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  2. Rathindra Nath Bera
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  3. Preeti Tiwari
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Murugan, S., Bera, R.N. & Tiwari, P. Outcome of Mandibular Reconstruction with Fibula free Flaps: Retrospective Analysis of Complications. Indian J Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg 75, 563–570 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12070-022-03344-2

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