Medical and Dental Cooperation in Mandibular Reconstruction after Tumor Resection

Abstract

For head and neck reconstruction at Tohoku University Hospital, the Department of Medicine and the Department of Dentistry cooperate to draw up a surgical plan, jointly perform surgery, and perform postoperative treatment. Mandibular reconstruction is an example of a surgical procedure that has improved significantly since the start of collaboration between the medical and dental departments. Reconstruction after segmental resection of the mandible requires consideration of both esthetics and occlusal reproduction. Through cooperation, stable and good results have been achieved, and the denture placement rate has greatly improved. As collaboration has progressed, the scope of surgery has expanded, and the technology and knowledge of each department have been used also for management of complications and double-barrel reconstruction with fibula in mandibular reconstruction.