Reconstruction of the segmental mandibular defect using a retroauricular or modified face-lift incision with an intraoral approach in head and neck cancer.

[CONCLUSIONS] This is the first report of mandibular reconstruction using the retroauricular (RA) or the modified face-lift (MFL) approach in head and neck cancer. This approach may have advantages over the conventional approach, especially in its superior aesthetic results.

[OBJECTIVE] The fibular osseous or osteocutaneous free flap is a widely accepted option for the reconstruction of mandibular defects. Recently, we devised an RA or an MFL approach for neck dissection (ND) using an endoscopic or robotic surgical system. Here, we performed the reconstruction of a segmental mandibular defect with a fibular free flap using the RA or the MFL approach.

[METHODS] A total of five patients underwent mandibular reconstruction with the RA or MFL approach for mandibular discontinuity, which developed after the surgical extirpation of head and neck cancer. We performed ND, segmental mandibulectomy, and the reconstruction of the mandibular defect via RA or MFL incisions.

[RESULTS] An osseous free flap was used for the reconstruction in two patients and the osteocutaneous free flap was used in three patients. The mean operation times for mandibulectomy and ND were 82 (range 45-120) min and 156 (range 140-180) min, respectively. No significant complications were noted. All flaps survived successfully.