Quality of life in oncologic patients after maxillectomy operations: clinical case series on different rehabilitation protocols

F. Goker, M. Bonaso, E. Grecchi, F. Grivetto, L.V. Stefanelli, M. Brucoli, G. Donati, R. Kisnisci, M. Del Fabbro, F. Grecchi

Department of Biomedical, Surgical and Dental Sciences, University of Milano, Milan, Italy. massimo.delfabbro@unimi.it

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• Maxillofacial Surgery

OBJECTIVE: The study’s purpose was to compare the quality of life (QoL) in oncologic patients treated with different rehabilitation protocols following maxillary tumor resections.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: The patients were divided into three groups. Group A: 18 Patients with maxillary obturator prosthesis. Group B: 17 Patients with simultaneous autologous tissue reconstruction. Group C: 12 Patients with prosthesis on zygomatic implants. The post-operative QoL was compared using standard questionnaires, investigating items like pain, mood, social relations, and specific functions that could potentially compromise the post-operative QoL. A secondary analysis compared reconstructed vs. non-reconstructed patients.

RESULTS: Most questionnaire items did not show significant differences among groups. Statistically significant outcomes were found in two parameters (social contact and sexuality), in which patients treated with zygomatic implants had the best satisfaction, and patients with obturator prostheses showed the lowest satisfaction. Patients belonging to the non-reconstructed group showed better moods than those in the reconstructed group, while taste problem complaints and pain were lower in the reconstructed group.

CONCLUSIONS: Although the type of reconstruction procedure depends on the type of maxillectomy to be performed and on the general health situation of each patient, the impact of the rehabilitation protocol on the patients’ QoL should be accounted for when planning the treatment.

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