Early Complications in Mandibular Reconstruction: Analysis Using Comprehensive Complication Index.

BACKGROUND

Early postoperative complications after microvascular mandibular reconstruction impact outcomes in patients with advanced oral cancer. This study evaluates three reconstruction techniques: vascularized bone graft (VBG), mandibular reconstruction plate (MRP) with a non-osseous flap, and soft tissue flap (STF), using the Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI).

METHODS

In this retrospective study of 101 patients, early postoperative complications (≤ 30 days) were assessed using the CCI, calculated from Clavien-Dindo classification grades. Differences among the three techniques were analyzed using multivariable linear regression.

RESULTS

VBG was performed in younger, healthier patients. No significant differences in CCI were found among the three techniques. Multivariable analysis confirmed that non-surgical factors, such as diabetes, had greater influence on complication risks.

CONCLUSIONS

Appropriate patient selection minimizes early complication risks. VBG in younger patients and technical refinements in MRP may yield complication burdens comparable to STF.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry as UMIN000056584 (http://www.umin.ac.jp/ctr).