Quality of life in patients treated for cancer of the oral cavity requiring reconstruction: a prospective study.

摘要: Surgical treatment for cancer of the oral cavity can result in dramatic aesthetic and functional sequelae partially avoidable by reconstructive techniques. Many studies concerning quality life have been carried out order to retrospectively assess outcomes after such major oncological procedures. Aim this study was evaluate, a prospective fashion, as primary endpoint patients treated cancers involving requiring reconstruction. The design consisted evaluation pre- post-operative at 3, 6, 12 months variations during follow-up using two different questionnaires: University Washington Quality Life Head Neck Performance Status Scale. Between May 1999 October 2004, 92 with reconstruction were treated. All included study, but only 35 (38%) concluded protocol one year surgery without evidence disease. mean (3, months) scores questionnaires specific categories (disfigurement, chewing, swallowing, comprehension speech) evaluated. impact on residual factors gender, extension tongue mandibular defects, type reconstruction, radiotherapy statistically quantified Wilcoxon non-parametric test logistic regression multivariate analysis. Comparison between Scale, showed similar trend period significant decrease 3 subsequent gradual improvement 6 months. majority (77%) preserved normal or near functions surgery. chewing domain worsened considerably (p < 0.05), poorer outcome undergoing segmental mandibulectomy 0.05). By analysis, resection maintained its statistical significance = 0.038). Moreover, an independent factor 0.038) that influenced total score, better results free flap Despite dismal prognosis affected advanced cancer, techniques play crucial role maintenance satisfactory life.