Maxillofacial prosthetic treatment in three patients with maxillofacial defect after malignant tumor resection was presented, and the indications and problems of the treatment were discussed.All patients had defects of the facial skin, upper jaw, zygoma, and/or intraorbital structures after ablative surgery for upper jaw carcinoma. Defect of the upper jaw was successfully reconstructed by a prosthesis. The facial prosthesis (episthesis)was placed so as to cover the facial defect. Use of a maxillofacial implant (Epitec system)gave satisfactory support and stability to the episthesis in two patients. However, problems appeared with regard to the interface between the episthesis and facial skin and the quality of the material used for the episthesis. In addition,it was impossible to achieve dynamic reconstruction of facial expression. Maxillofacial prosthetic treatment is less invasive, easier, and more predictable than surgical reconstruction of the maxillofacial defect. It has also the advantages that it is easy to remake and does not obstruct follow-up of the lesion. Further improvement including an extension of the indications will be required.
悪性腫瘍切除後の顎顔面組織欠損に対し顎顔面補綴治療を行った３症例
