Extirpation of Extended Head and Neck Cancers and Local Reconstruction

Especially on the Cooperation of Otolaryngologists and Plastic Surgeons

Abstract

In the surgical treatment of extended cancers in the head and neck, complete removal of the lesion is indispensable. Consequently, extensive deformities and serious functional disturbances are likely to occur, which are apt to cause various degrees of disability. Adequate one-stage plastic and reconstructive surgery is required to prevent these disabilities.
However, if otolaryngologists themselves try to perform reconstructive procedures immediately following ablation or destructive procedures in the removal of cancers, they often encounter difficulties which include technical, mental, and physical aspects. Therefore, the cooperation of otolaryngologists and plastic surgeons, the former for destruction and the latter for reconstruction, is ideal in these circumstances.
In Osaka Medical College, recently, such cooperation for extended cancers in the head and neck, especially for cancers of the tongue, oral floor, and mandible has been adopted as a routine, and excellent results have been obtained.
We recommend this kind of cooperation of otolaryngologists and plastic surgeons whenever and wherever possible.