Background:
Segmental mandibulectomy impairs health-related quality of life(QoL), by altering speech, mastication, swallowing, and facial esthetics. Fibula free-flap(FFF), used for mandible reconstruction is known to improve outcomes; however, minimal information exists in the literature regarding patient-reported outcomes (PRO). We aim to assess how current studies evaluate patient perception following segmental mandibulectomy and FFF mandible reconstruction.
Methods:
Following PRISMA guidelines, a search was conducted for publications involving FFF mandible reconstruction between 2005–2017 using PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsychInfo.
Results:
Of 2,212 articles identified initially, only seven studies were deemed suitable. Six studies used UWQoL questionnaire; three OHIP, and one used EORTC-H&N35.
Conclusions:
There is a paucity of information in published reports on QoL outcomes following mandible reconstruction with FFF. In the era of patient-centered healthcare, observations warrant attention from researchers for physician-assessed patient-reported measures to factor in QoL expectation during surgical decision-making about the choice of reconstruction.