Quality of life after maxillectomy and prosthetic rehabilitation: A pilot study

Abstract

Background/Aim. Although, the radical surgical treatment is the method of choice in therapy of cancer of maxilla and maxillary sinus, it can cause oral dysfunction, social isolation, emotional and psychological distress which significantly effects on patient?s quality of life (QoL). The aim of the study was to determine the health-related QoL of patients rehabilitated with obturator prosthesis after maxillectomy, according to demographic and clinical characteristics. Methods. The study included 32 patients with a mean age of 63.6 years. The measurement of QoL of patients after maxillectomy and prosthetic rehabilitation was assessed using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and Head and Neck Cancer Module (QLQ-H&N43). Results. Functioning and symptoms where more pronounced in women, younger and single patients (p < 0.05). After definitive prosthetics rehabilitation patients had less problems and symptoms compare to patient with surgical and interim obturator prosthesis (p < 0.05). Patients with partial obturator denture had better perception of function than patients with total dentures (p < 0.05). Irradiated patients had more pronounced fatigue, appetite loss, pain in the mouth, dry mouth and sticky saliva, senses problems and skin problem compare to non-irradiated patients (p < 0.05). Conclusion. The results of this study suggest that sex, age, marital status, characteristics of obturator prosthesis and radiotherapy had the significant impact on QoL in patients after maxillectomy.