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Global Research Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 3(1) pp.12 –19 June 2013
Available online http://www.globalresearchjournals.org/journal/grjms
Copyright ©2013 Global Research Journals
Case study
CHALLENGES OF RECONSTRUCTING MANDIBULAR DEFECTS FOLLOWING TUMOUR SURGERIES AT ZARIA, NIGERIA: ILLUSTRATING WITH TWO CASES.
Dr. Obiadazie A. C.1X, Dr. Agbara R. 1, Dr. Okeke U1, Dr. Adeola D. S. 1 and Dr. Bassey G.O.2
1 Maxillo-Facial Department, Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital Zaria.
2 Maxillo-Facial Department , University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Calabar, Nigeria.
XCorrespondence; Dr Obiadazie Athanasius Chukwudi ; Email: oathanasius@yahoo.com,
Tel: +2348035752967
| Abstract |
The Oral and Maxillofacial Unit of Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria, carries out on the average 17 cases of mandibular resections every year, while giving cure or palliation to destructive lesions affecting the mandible. Several benign and malignant lesions are responsible for such resections with Ameloblastoma being the most common.
The challenges of poverty, expertise, lack of modern facilities seen in most centers in developing countries, are further compounded in our center by late presentation of cases. Thus the attention is directed in most cases at extirpating the lesions and no consideration at all is given to reconstruction whether as immediate or delayed rehabilitation.
We present two patients (both females), who requested for reconstruction after ablation of mandibular tumors. The determination of the patients to have reconstruction produced good aesthetic and functional results in the lady who had just segmental resection. Late presentation of cases was considered the greatest challenge to reconstructing mandibular defects in our center.
Key words: Mandible, Resections, Ameloblastoma, Reconstruction, Rib graft, Zaria, Nigeria.