Abstract
It is difficult to standardize reconstructive surgery, particularly oral and maxillofacial reconstruction including mandibular reconstruction. The standardization of reconstruction has two meanings: standardization of surgical procedures, and standardization of objectives. There are various options for surgical procedures, and they tend to be selected according to the customs of institutions, trends, and the techniques of surgeons and their senses. It is a fact that reconstructive surgery is an art, and has the same characteristics as those of “tailored treatment provided by masters”. However, health care, including cancer treatment, based on scientific evidence and its standardization has become increasingly important, and reconstructive surgery cannot, and should not, go against this trend. In the near future, more emphasis will be placed on “practice” conducted by “scientists”. When considering the standardization of surgical procedures, it is necessary to set its ultimate goals, or to establish the “objectives of reconstruction” as a shared awareness or common recognition. This is essential for the selection of surgical procedures and their standardization. Standardization of the objectives of reconstruction is considered to be an important first step in order to decide on standard surgical procedures. The GRADE system is the optimal system to standardize oral and maxillofacial reconstruction, including mandibular reconstruction, which has the above-mentioned characteristics.
