A systematic review of validated tools assessing functional and aesthetic outcomes following fibula free flap reconstruction of the mandible.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:Segmental mandibulectomy impairs health-related quality of life (QoL), by altering speech, mastication, swallowing, and facial aesthetics. Fibula free flap (FFF) used for mandible reconstruction is known to improve outcomes; however, minimal information exists in the literature regarding patient-reported outcomes. We aim to assess how current studies evaluate patient perception following segmental mandibulectomy and FFF mandible reconstruction. METHODS:Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, a search was conducted for publications involving FFF mandible reconstruction from 2005 to 2017 using PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, Web of Science, and PsychInfo. RESULTS:Of 2212 articles identified initially, only 7 studies were deemed suitable.

SUBMITTER: Petrovic I 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6339585 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature