Surgical principles and techniques for functional rehabilitation after oral cavity and oropharyngeal oncologic surgery

Effective functional rehabilitation following surgery for oral and oropharyngeal cancer is a priority if the well being of patients is to be maintained. Decisive components include appearance, speech, swallowing, chewing, nutrition, and shoulder disability. The most suitable methods of preserving and promoting function are dependent on site, the extent of resection, and the type of reconstruction. Appropriate treatment selection and the utilization of microvascular free tissue transfer mean that gross functional compromise is now largely avoided. In addition, there are several adjunctive surgical techniques, such as pharyngeal flaps and osseointegrated implants, that help enhance outcome. This paper reviews the basis of functional compromise following tumor ablation and explores the various techniques available in the armamentarium of the surgeon to assist in the restoration of function