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The prime objective of oral cavity reconstruction is restoration of function, which must be carefully studied while evaluating the success of any reconstructive endeavour. We devised a unique comprehensive test series for the purpose that is suitable for use in routine follow-ups, and capable of providing objective documentation. Functional assessment included evaluation of general health, food intake, oral competence, mastication, speech, swallowing, tongue mobility, and shoulder-neck function. Fifty patients who had surgery were analyzed and their functional scores compared with those of 10 normal volunteers. The extent of mandibular resection and the magnitude of soft tissue excision significantly affected overall scores of function. Oral competence, as reflected by the water holding test (WHT), was uniformly impaired in the 50 patients, and in dentate individuals, the quality of bolus provided good correlation with all other functional scores. Among reconstructive modalities employed here, the bi-paddled pectoralis major flap produced the best overall scores.

Mandibular resection for oral cancer assumes two major forms; segmental mandibulectomy for invasion and rim mandibulectomy for margins, the extent of removal being governed by the need to ensure oncologic safety. The purpose of our study was to establish basic principles for optimal resection design in various clinical situations. Thirty-six cadaveric, adult, dentate human mandibles were examined in detail and sectioned at six points each to study the cross- sectional anatomy at these sites. The majority of bones (32 of 36) revealed a conspicuous medullary core with a thin cortical rim 2 to 4 mm in thickness. The inferior alveolar nerve was found to course consistently within the anterior segment of the ramus and to dip significantly within the body (median height at molar area 7 mm). Accordingly, rim resections cannot include the entire medullary core and nerve as currently defined, whereas segmental resections can spare the posterior segment of the ramus in appropriate cases.

Primary tracheal tumours are extremely rare and present with widely variant clinical and histological features. Treatment methods vary considerably, and few studies have sought to provide adequate guidelines. A retrospective analysis was carried out of all patients treated in our unit between 1965 and 1990. Our experience deals almost exclusively with high tracheal tumours involving the adjacent subglottic region. Squamous carcinoma (SCC) and adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) were the commonest subtypes, and presented with dyspnoea and hoarseness as the most frequent symptoms. ACCs occurred commonly in young individuals, presented insidiously, and ran a long, and often, unpredictable course. Endoscopic evaluation revealed the majority of the lesions to be bulky and obstructive in nature. Primary surgery with adjuvant radical radiotherapy, when indicated, appeared to provide optimal results. Debulking surgery followed by radiotherapy provided effective and lasting control in two cases of ACC. Other malignant subtypes behaved aggressively and progressed uncontrolled.

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