Complex Osteotomy Have No Long-term Benefits for Primary tongue Cancers

It was a retrospective review study of 218 patients who underwent midline mandibulotomy for primary tongue cancer wide excision and flap reconstruction at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital during 2014‐2019. Among 218 patients, 114 had straight osteotomy, 54 had notched osteotomy, and 50 had stair‐stepped osteotomy cases.

Key findings of the study were;

• Upon analysis, researchers have noted that the stair‐stepped osteotomy had less advanced tumor stages and notched osteotomy more common single‐plate fixations.

• They found that the stair-stepped osteotomy showed higher mandibular heights and more intact midline teeth than notched and straight ones.

• They also found that the straight osteotomy cases showed lower early infection rates.

• Further, they noted that the single‐plate fixation was related to more flap dehiscence and oro‐cutaneous fistulas.

The authors concluded, "Complex osteotomy designs (of notched or stair-stepped types) does not offer long‐term benefits in midline mandibulotomies for primary tongue cancers and has higher early infections. Single‐plate fixation increases postoperative complications.

For further information:

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/hed.26553