Pediatric Maxilla-Mandible Oncoplastic Reconstruction: A 25 Patient Case Series

Abstract

Objective: We present a case series of 25 pediatric patients who underwent maxillary and mandibular oncoplastic reconstruction at a single institution. Further, we discussed the present review of the literature and underscored the unique considerations for the pediatric population. Methods: A retrospective chart review of 25 pediatric oncoplastic patients undergoing maxillary and/or mandibular reconstruction was performed from March 2015 to January 2022. Results: Thirteen patients underwent maxillary reconstruction, and 12 patients underwent mandibular reconstruction. The mean age of the maxillary cohort was 10.2 years, and the mean age of the mandibular cohort was 9.8 years. The age range of patients followed was from 6 months to 18.8 years. All patients displayed satisfactory postoperative swallowing and facial symmetry at subsequent follow-up visits. Conclusion: Maxillary and mandibular reconstruction following oncologic resection requires special attention in the pediatric population because of the difficulty to predict bony growth of the mid and lower face, and the resultant effects on dentition and symmetry. Our case series demonstrates successful pediatric maxillomandibular reconstruction utilizing microvascular free tissue transfer and 3D virtual surgical planning.