Objectives
To analyze charges, complications, survival, and functional outcomes for definitive surgery of mandibular osteoradionecrosis (ORN).
Materials and Methods
Retrospective analysis of 76 patients who underwent segmental mandibulectomy with reconstruction from 2000 to 2009.
Results
Complications occurred in 49 (65%) patients and were associated with preoperative drainage (odds ratio [OR] 4.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01–19.27). The adjusted median charge was $343 000, and higher charges were associated with double flap reconstruction (OR 8.15, 95% CI 2.19–30.29) and smoking (OR 5.91, 95% CI 1.69–20.72). Improved swallow was associated with age <67 years (OR 3.76, 95% CI 1.16–12.17) and preoperative swallow (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.23–9.51). Five‐year ORN‐recurrence‐free survival was 93% while overall survival was 63% and associated with pulmonary disease (HR [hazard ratio] 3.57, 95% CI 1.43–8.94).
Conclusions
Although recurrence of ORN is rare, surgical complications are common and charges are high. Poorer outcomes and higher charges are associated with preoperative factors.