Study of Quality of Life in Patients with Soft Tissue Reconstruction Following Mandibulectomy

Abstract

Purpose To study the effect of mandibulectomy with soft tissue reconstruction on quality of life (QOL) and functions of speech and swallowing. Methodology Quality of life of 66 patients was evaluated by using EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC-HN35 questionnaires. Speech was evaluated objectively by Dr. Speech software version 4 and subjectively by a single speech therapist along with swallowing. Patients were evaluated preoperatively and 6 months after treatment. Results Out of 66 patients, 57 followed up postoperatively. Comparison of preoperative and postoperative QOL, speech, and swallowing was done by using paired 't' test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test as per distribution. When evaluated by EORTC QLQ-C30 and EORTC-HN35, statistically significant difference was found in the domains of physical function, fatigue, nausea-vomiting, dyspnea and appetite loss, pain, nutrition, swallowing speech and dry mouth. Significant difference was found in speech (maximum intensity) and most of the domains of swallowing. Conclusion In EORTC QLQ-C30 questionnaire, all functional scales showed deterioration with maximum in physical function. Symptom scales showed worsening but significant improvement was found in pain when evaluated by EORTC-HN35. However, the global health status/QL was found to be improved marginally.

The Anterolateral Thigh Perforator Flap for Mandibular Reconstruction: A Volumetric and Patient Satisfaction Analysis

“…They found improvements in the patients’ physical and cognitive roles and social and emotional functions but increases in fatigue, nausea, vomiting, dyspnea, appetite loss, swallowing, speech, and xerostomia due to chemoradiation. Pain and nutrition improved as patients were disease-free and tube-fed, and there was a marginal improvement in the overall QoL 20. We hope to embark on a similar comparative study with a larger sample size (for each group of patients) in the future.…”

“…Pain and nutrition improved as patients were disease-free and tube-fed, and there was a marginal improvement in the overall QoL. 20 We hope to embark on a similar comparative study with a larger sample size (for each group of patients) in the future.…”

Effect of segmental versus marginal mandibular resection on local and lymph node recurrences in oral squamous cell carcinoma: is tumorous bone infiltration or location and resulting soft tissue recurrences a long-term problem?

“…Our data showed that segmental resections not only required significantly longer operation time but also led to a longer hospital stay ( p < 0.001 and 0.025, respectively). Furthermore, segmental resections also bear a significant loss in the quality of life of patients (Dholam et al 2019 ; Rogers et al 2004 ). Still, with regard to recurrences, few compromises in the case of mandibular infiltrations are possible (Gou et al 2018; Li et al 2017 ).…”