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ISSN 2063-5346
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RECONSTRUCTION FOR MAXILLOFACIAL DEFECTS - AN INSTITUTIONAL EXPERIENCE

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Samyuktha P S, Santhosh Kumar M P, Gidean Arularasan
» doi: 10.31838/ecb/2023.12.s2.187

Abstract

Objectives: One of the primary responsibilities of the oral and maxillofacial surgeon, otorhinolaryngologist, and plastic surgeon is plastic surgery reconstruction. Extensive prior neck surgery, infections, a generally poor vascular condition, or prior radiotherapy may also limit the applicability of microsurgical anastomosis, which is frequently the only alternative for reconstruction. Further technological advancements in recent years should allow for adequate repair even under the most severe conditions. The complete survival of the microsurgically transplanted tissue is the most essential success criterion. Recent research has demonstrated, however, that success cannot be determined solely by flap survival; the patient's judgment of the functional and aesthetic outcome must also be evaluated. The aim of the study is to assess the various techniques used in maxillofacial reconstruction in an Institute and determine which technique leads to the best outcome. Materials and methods: This retrospective study examined the records of patients from 01 June 2019 to 31st March 2022 who visited Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals. Sample size was 71 patients who presented with maxillofacial defects and were indicated for maxillofacial reconstruction. The necessary data such as age, gender, type of flap harvested and the flap used were included in the study. Data was recorded in Microsoft Excel and exported to the statistical package of social science for Windows (SPSS) and subjected to statistical analysis. Chi Square test was used for comparison of groups. Results: Out of 71 reconstructions, 13 reconstructions were done using local flaps, 13 were done using locoregional flaps, 12 using free flaps and 7 using grafts. Chi-square tests were used to associate the flap type harvested and the demographic features such as age and gender. The association between the age of the patient and the type of flap used for reconstruction was found to be statistically significant. Various factors have to be considered when a flap is chosen for reconstruction. The vascularity status of the donor site, the extent of the defect, the need for bone reconstruction, the extent of the palatal defect, functionality of the flap and its associated aesthetics. Conclusion: Loco-regional flap reconstruction is found to be most commonly employed in a private dental hospital. PMMC flaps are considered to be most clinically feasible owing to its simplicity and affordability. Free flaps were second most commonly used, out of which fibula flaps were more common. Local flaps were also found to be clinically effective.

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