Original scientific paper

Quality of Life Assessment for Intraoral Reconstruction

Predrag Knežević
Vedran Uglešić
Davor Jokić

Abstract

The aim of the investigation was to compare the three most commonly used methods of reconstruction of the oral cavity in the University Hospital “Dubrava”, after resection of intraoral carcinoma. In a group of 50 patients, with no statistically significant differences with regard to the stage of disease, local flaps (19 patients), regional pectoralis major flap (11 patients) and free forearm flap (20 patients) were compared. A clinical questionnaire was prepared for evaluation of the success of reconstruction, consisting of two parts. The first part of the questionnaire contained general information on the patient and data on the tumour. The second part of the questionnaire consisted of questions on postoperative functional and aesthetic results. Apart from comparison of the three methods of reconstruction, we also investigated on a sample of 55 patients which parameters were most important for the success of the reconstruction and whether and in what way reconstruction has an effect on postoperative quality of life on a sample of 55 patients. Analysis of the obtained data indicated that none of the three methods of reconstruction were superior in all parameters compared to the other two methods. Free forearm flap did not statistically significantly show the expected theoretic advantage over the regional pectoralis major flap, although it scored higher in almost all parameters. The stage of the disease and extent of resection are the most significant parameters for postoperative result of reconstruction, regardless of the type of flap.

Keywords

oral reconstruction; local flaps; forearm flap; pectoralis major flap; quality of life

Hrčak ID:

2938

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/2938

Publication date:

15.3.2002.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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