Year: 2011
Type: article
Abstract: Objective The safe and reliable reconstruction of composite mandibulectomy defects is a topic of significant interest. Unfortunately, a well‐established small‐animal model of the segmental composite mandibulectomy does not exist. We describe a reliable animal model that can be utilized to study mandibular reconstruction techniques, including atuogenous bone grafts and biomaterials. Method Prospective analysis of survival‐operations in the rat model (4‐month Sprague Dawley Rattusnorvegicus). A detailed, stepwise description of surgical technique and relevant intraoperative anatomy is presented, utilizing photographic and radiographic images. Postoperative management, early pitfalls, surgical complications and future applications are discussed. Results A total of 72 operations were performed by a single individual between July and October 2010. Two intraoperative and seven postoperative complications were recognized. There were 4 orocutaneous fistulas, 1 abscess, and 1 seroma. There were 3 fatalities; deaths were attributed to anesthetic complications (2, intraoperative) and foreign‐body aspiration (1, postoperative). Conclusion The novel animal model described here, reliably replicates the en‐bloc segmental mandibular defects seen in our patient population. It can be manipulated to achieve a wide variety of research objectives, including the evaluation of biomaterials and tissue engineering techniques.
Source: Otolaryngology
Language: English
Subfield: Surgery
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4230961387