A.C. Obiadazie, D.S. Adeola, C.N. Ononiwu
Mandibular resection is a common treatment modality adopted in managing some malignant and benign lesions involving the mandible. The extent o f the resection no doubt has some aesthetic and functional consequences. A prospective study of 177 mandibular resections done at MFU, ABUTH, Zaria from 1996–2007 was undertaken. A revie w of the common indications for mandibular resection and analysis of the degree of impairment of mouth functions was done. Patients’ attitude to life postoperatively as evide nce by change in life style and occupation was equally assessed. Thought mouth functions – mastica tion, speech, swallowing and sensation were adversely affected in the immediate postoperat ive period, some level of recovery took place later that enabled the patients live near normal li ves. The social intercourse of the patients with relations, friends and colleagues at work was most encouraging as majority of the respondent indeed resumed their pre-operative life style short ly after their operations.
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