Primary Reconstruction Following Maxillectomy With Local Tissue or Free Flap does not Delay Detection of Local Recurrence, Nor Affects 2-Year Local Control After Salvage Surgery

Objectives: To analyse whether primary reconstruction of the maxillectomy cavity with local tissue or free flap causes delayed detection of LR, or affects 2-year local control after salvage surgery.

Methods: Data was collected from patients who had a maxillectomy for a first primary tumor of the maxilla between 2000 and 2015. Mean time to LR and 2-year local control after salvage surgery was compared between patients who were rehabilitated with obturator prosthesis, reconstruction with local tissue, and free flap reconstruction.

Results: 128 patients were included in this study. 23 (18%) patients developed LR within 2 years. 21 of these patients died from the disease. There were no differences in mean time to LR and 2-year local control after salvage surgery between patients who were rehabilitated with obturator prosthesis, or had a reconstruction of the maxillectomy cavity with local tissue or free flap.

Conclusion: Primary reconstruction of the maxillectomy cavity with local tissue or free flap does not interfere with surveillance for LR, causes no delay in detection of LR, nor affects 2-year local control after salvage surgery.