Fibular Free Flap and Iliac Crest Free Flap Mandibular Reconstruction In Patients With Mandibular Ameloblastomas

Ameloblastoma (AM) is the most common, locally aggressive odontogenic tumor. It comprises about 1% of all head and neck neoplasms. It occurs mainly in young adults in their 3rd and 4th decade of life. It localizes in the mandible in about 80% of the cases. According to the 2017 WHO classification, 4 types of ameloblastoma can be distinguished: ameloblastoma (previously referred to as solid/multicystic-SMA; the conventional type AM), unicystic (AM-UA), extraosseous/peripheral (AM-PA), and malignant/metastatic (AM-MA). Solid, multicystic is the most common type. It is characteristic for its aggressiveness and high risk of recurrence. Radical resection with consecutive reconstruction is the treatment of choice of mandibular ameloblastomas. In this study, the authors present their experience in the surgical treatment of mandibular ameloblastomas with vascularized free flap reconstructions. They discuss new technological possibilities that could improve the precision of the reconstructive procedure and therefore result in the better aesthetic outcome. The retrospective study of a group of 21 patients suffering from mandibular ameloblastoma who underwent segmental man-dibulectomy with simultaneous microvascular free flap reconstruction was conducted. A thorough clinical analysis with various aspects was performed. Tumors resected before 2017 were double checked patomorphologically and assigned to the corrected subtype group. Seven patients were admitted to the department due to recurrent ameloblastoma. The most common localization of the tumor was the mandibular body (n = 6) andbodywith ramus of the mandible (n = 6). A total amount of 10 iliac crest free flaps and 12 fibular free flaps were performed. Complications were reported in 4 patients. A purulent oro-cutaneus fistula occurred in 3 patients. There was a flap failure in each reconstructive group. The virtual surgical planning with intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography was used in 3 patients. Dentition implantation was conducted in 4 patients (3 simultaneously, 1 postponed). The mean follow-up was 5 years and 8 months. Radical resection that covers radical segmental mandibulect-omy with immediate microvascular free flap reconstruction is a first-line and only effective treatment of mandibular ameloblas-tomas, that eliminates the risk of recurrence. The extent of surgical margins seems not to influence the recurrence rate, yet further investigation with statistical analysis should be performed. The choice of the adequate free flap must be adapted to dimensions and localization of the tumor and to each patient individually. New technologies such as virtual surgical planning with 3D models and intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography can make the reconstruction more accurate, improving patient's quality of life.

Automated summary

Ameloblastoma is a common locally aggressive odontogenic tumor, primarily occurring in young adults. It can be classified into four types according to the 2017 WHO classification. Radical resection with reconstruction is the preferred treatment for mandibular ameloblastomas. This study discusses the surgical treatment of mandibular ameloblastomas and explores the use of new technologies in reconstruction.