Keywords ameloblastoma - free fibular flap - microvascular surgery - radical excision - mandible
- free flap - microvascular anastomosis
Introduction
The estimated incidence of ameloblastoma is approximately 0.5 per million population
per year.[1 ] Of all swellings of the oral cavity, 10% are odontogenic tumors, and within this
group, ameloblastoma accounts for 1% of the lesions.[2 ] According to the World Health Organization (WHO) classification[3 ] benign ameloblastoma consists of four subtypes being the solid/multicystic, the
desmoplastic, the unicystic, and the extraosseous/peripheral type, while malignant
ameloblastoma includes metastasizing ameloblastoma and ameloblastic carcinoma.
Ameloblastoma[4 ] commonly presents as a slow growing, painless swelling, with the expansion of the
cortical bone, perforation of the lingual, and/or buccal plates and infiltration of
soft tissue. There is often a delay in the diagnosis because of its slow-growing nature.
On radiological examination, most cases have a characteristic unilocular radiolucent
area or a multilocular radiolucent area with a honeycomb appearance. There may be
resorption of adjacent teeth. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
help to establish the extent of the lesion. Biopsy, if possible, is confirmatory.
The management of ameloblastoma is fascinating yet challenging. A lot of controversies
still prevail regarding the mode of interventions, methods of reconstruction, and,
it’s timing. Despite the plethora of articles,[4 ]
[5 ]
[6 ]
[7 ]
[8 ]
[9 ] available in the literature, the total consensus has not been reached about its
management up till now.
Materials and Methods
We treated 37 patients of mandibular ameloblastoma at our center between 2009 and
2018. The biopsy confirmed mandibular ameloblastoma patients were included in this
prospective study. The rest of the lower jaw and maxillary bone tumor patients were
excluded from the study. Out of 37 patients, 2 were treated with curettage and chemical
sterilization of the cavity, as they were not ready for the radical surgery. Resection
of a tumor with 2 cm of margin on both sides of a tumor was performed in 35 patients.
After wide excision, different modalities were used ([Table 1 ]) to reconstruct the defect. Sole reconstitution metal plate was used in two patients
as per their preferences. In one patient, the mandible was not reconstructed, but
the soft-tissue bulk was provided with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap as the
disease was reaching the infratemporal fossa and the whole TM joint and part of zygoma
had to be removed. In three patients, the reconstruction was not performed for various
medical reasons. In 29 patients, the resultant defect of the mandible was primarily
reconstructed with free fibular microvascular flap.
Table 1
Mode of reconstruction after wide excision
Reconstructive procedures
No. of patients
Abbreviation: ALT, anterolateral thigh.
Free fibular flap
29
No reconstruction
3
Metal plate reconstruction
2
ALT flap to provide bulk
1
Total
35
We used a standard degloving incision for the resection. Lip splitting incision can
be added without hesitation in cases of large ameloblastoma where wider exposure is
required for better resection, and ease of reconstruction. The length of the recipient’s
vessels, that is, facial artery, the external jugular vein was kept long to obviate
the need for vein grafts. We like to include skin paddle as it helps in monitoring
the vascularity of the flap. It also takes away the tension from the suture line,
so that there are fewer chances of bone and metal exposure. Stereolithographic model[10 ] and computerized measurement facilities though precise and time saving are not available
with us. Instead, we used a simple mathematical protector for the measurement of the
angles of the osteotomy. In cases of mandibular cortex expansion, the 60-degree wedge
resection is a good general guide. HCL[11 ] classification of mandibular defects is based on functional, as well as aesthetic
factors. It allows different types of reconstructions to be evaluated in a fair and
standardized manner. However, our postexcisional defects could not be exactly fitted
into this classification. So, just for the practical purpose, and our better understanding
we have modified this classification as described in [Table 2 ]. Ramus with lateral body segment reconstruction required one vertical osteotomy
([Figs. 1 ]
[2 ]
[3 ]). For condyle reconstruction ([Figs. 4 ]
[5 ]
[6 ]
[7 ]
[8 ]
[9 ]), the end of the fibula was rounded and suspended with 1/0 polypropylene suture
to the zygoma by drilling a hole in the zygomatic arch. The end of the flap was wrapped
with the remaining capsule and surrounding soft tissues. This was performed in four
patients. Ramus with central arch restoration ([Figs. 10 ]
[11 ]
[12 ]) required multiple osteotomies with varying angles. The central arch is always exciting
for the reconstructive surgeon ([Figs. 13 ]
[14 ]
[15 ]) was restored in four patients. Reconstruction of the whole mandible except bilateral
condyles was found to be most challenging ([Figs. 16 ]
[17 ]
[18 ]) fortunately in one patient only.
Table 2
Types of mandibular defects and use of free fibula
Types of mandibular defects
No. of cases
H = Hemimandible
4
H–CO = hemimandible–Condyle
6
R + L = ramus and lateral segment of mandible
4
R + L + CO = ramus + lateral segment + central arch of mandible
4
L = lateral segment
2
C = central arch
4
L + C = lateral segment + central arch
3
L + C + L = lateral segment + central arch + Lateral segment
1
Whole mandible except bilateral condyles
1
Total
29
Fig. 1 AP and lateral view of the disease. AP, anteroposterior.
Fig. 2 Preoperative radiological image and Intraoperative excision with flap in situ.
Fig. 3 Postoperative results after ramus and body reconstruction.
Fig. 4 AP and lateral view of the disease. AP, anteroposterior.
Fig. 5 Preoperative and postoperative radiological images.
Fig. 6 Postoperative results after body, ramus and condyle reconstruction.
Fig. 7 AP and lateral view of the disease. AP, anteroposterior.
Fig. 8 Preoperative radiological image and Intraoperative excision with flap in situ.
Fig. 9 Postoperative results after body, ramus and condyle reconstruction.
Fig. 10 Preoperative views of the disease.
Fig. 11 Preoperative radiological image and Intraoperative excision with flap in situ.
Fig. 12 Postoperative results after ramus to central arch reconstruction.
Fig. 13 Preoperative views of the disease.
Fig. 14 Preoperative radiological image and Intraoperative excision with flap in situ.
Fig. 15 Postoperative results after central arch reconstruction.
Fig. 16 Preoperative views of the disease.
Fig. 17 Preoperative radiological image and Intraoperative excision with flap in situ.
Fig. 18 Postoperative results after ramus to ramus reconstruction.
Interosseous wirings and titanium mini plates were used to fix the bony segments.
Facial artery and internal jugular, as well as external jugular veins, were our preferred
vessels for anastomoses. We always anastomose two veins as a safeguard against the
kinking of anyone. To achieve proper occlusion, intermaxillary fixation was done at
the time of bony fixation which is removed at the end of the surgery to facilitate
oral hygiene. Donor sites were closed primarily in most patients. Low molecular weight
heparin 0.4 mL subcutaneously was given at the end of the surgery and was continued
once a day dosage for five days as prophylaxis.
Results
Out of 37 patients treated at our center, 19 (51.3%), patients were male and 18 (48.7%)
were female. We had three (8.1%) patients between 10 and 20 years of age and five
(13.5%) patients above 40 years of age. This condition was found to be more common
between 21 to 40 years of age (78.4%) in our series. The follow-up ranged from 6 months
to 7.7 years with a mean of 5.1 years. Two patients who had opted for curettage of
the cavity, despite proper explanation, had a recurrence of the disease within a year.
The recurrence was detected on a computed tomography (CT) scan. Both underwent a second
round of the curettage with other physicians and lost for follow-up with us.
Out of 35 radical excisions, only 1 (2.85%) developed recurrence 3 years after the
surgery. The probable reason was an extraosseous spread into the soft tissues at the
time of the first presentation. Good three-finger mouth opening, proper occlusion,
intelligible speech to relatives and the general public, facial symmetry, and satisfactory
cosmetic outcomes were achieved in all 29 patients who were treated with free fibular
flaps. Facial symmetry and aesthetic outcomes were evaluated by comparing the present
look with predisease facial photographs by patients and their relatives. Four patients,
who were treated with wide excision but without any bony reconstruction, do have few
cosmetic and functional problems, but there is no recurrence of the disease till this
date.
Discussion
Complete removal of the disease, restoration of function, good cosmesis, less fibular
bone donor site morbidity of the leg, and least recurrence rate are the desirable
benchmarks in the treatment of mandibular ameloblastoma. Despite numerous treatment
modalities described in the literature, the management of mandibular ameloblastoma
remains a subject of a debate[4 ]
[5 ]
[6 ]
[7 ]
[8 ]
[9 ] with diverse opinions with regard to the role of minimally invasive procedures,
safe margins of resection and, its overall effect on recurrence rate, timing and methods
of reconstruction with proper donor site selections.
Minimal invasive procedures like curettage, enucleation, or marsupialization with
or without electrical or chemical sterilization by cautery, phenol, or Carnoy’s solution[12 ]
[13 ] is commonly being performed. However, minimally invasive methods like enucleation
and curettage[7 ]
[8 ]
[14 ]
[15 ] have undesirable recurrence rates of 55 and 90%, respectively. Furthermore, the
metastases following conservative management have been described.[16 ] Huge, recurrent, irresectable tumors carry around 30% mortality.[15 ] The role of radiotherapy is limited.[17 ]
[18 ] Even though the unanimous consensus is still eluding us, based on our little experience
and available literature, we try to avoid minimally invasive procedures in adult patients
as far as possible. Vast available literature also backs this argument.[7 ]
[8 ]
[14 ]
[15 ] The conservative and radical en bloc segmental resection with or without reconstruction
of bony defect has also been reported[14 ]
[19 ] with a recurrence rate of 31 to 33% after conservative and 7.1% after radical resection.[5 ]
[19 ]
There are proponents and opponents of both treatment strategies. The proponents of
minimally invasive approach[5 ]
[6 ]
[9 ] believe that ameloblastomas though, locally invasive, are essentially benign. “Excessive
resection means excessive treatment”[5 ] which can lead to significant functional, aesthetic, and reconstructive problems[20 ] with very high morbidity. There is no harm in repeating the procedure in the event
of a recurrence. In contrast, the proponents of the radical approach[7 ]
[8 ] believe that, although these tumors are histologically benign, they are locally
aggressive and the clinical behavior must be regarded as lying somewhere between benign
and malignant lesions. Hence, they should be treated like malignant lesions. The lower
recurrence rates are in favor of this argument.
The key reason for recurrence is unintended inadequate removal. The architectural
pattern of the ameloblastoma is such that the border of a tumor within the cancellous
bone can extend beyond the apparent macroscopic surface and the radiographic boundaries
of the lesion.[21 ] Marx et al,[22 ] found tumor cells 2.3 to 8 mm beyond macroscopic or radiographic margins within
the cancellous bone. Infiltration of the fibrous wall of the cyst with tumor nodules,
radiologically invisible “microcysts,” and “daughter cysts” are similarly important.
Curettage can be less suitable in this type of situation. Inadvertent cortical perforation
during curettage can lead to the dissemination of a tumor and recurrence. The aggressive
biological behavior of a tumor has a significant role to play. The spread of a tumor
along the inferior alveolar nerve has also been reported.[23 ]
[24 ] The lack of adequate reconstructive facilities and reluctance on the part of patients
to undergo long and extensive surgeries compels the treating surgeon to opt for minimally
invasive modalities of the treatment.
One more reason to choose radical resection is the difficulties in early identification
of recurrence. Clinical examination has limited value unless the swelling has grown
large. Once curetted, the typical septate or honeycomb appearance is lost on X-Ray.
Only CT scans or MRIs are helpful in prompt identification. Investigations and frequent
hospital visits are time consuming and add to the cost. From the surgeon’s perspective,
the recurrence many a time presents resective, as well as reconstructive challenges.
Considering the biological behavior of ameloblastoma, possibilities of the presence
of tumor cells beyond macroscopic or radiographic margins within the cancellous bone,
high recurrence following the minimally invasive line of treatment, and difficulty
in early identification and its management at our institute, the segmental resection
is performed with 2-cm margin beyond the radiological limit to ensure that all microlesions
are removed. The frozen section examination of margins,[22 ]
[25 ] though time consuming is performed only in doubtful cases. This radical excision
also allows for immediate reconstruction to be carried without much risk of recurrence.
The timing of reconstruction[26 ]
[27 ]
[28 ] has largely remained a subject of debate. Proponents of secondary reconstruction
believe that the reconstruction should be postponed for a later date as the recurrence
rates of mandibular ameloblastoma are high. Spacing surgeries give ample time for
adequate maturation of the tissues. In the event of unfortunate recurrence, the critical
tissue resources for the reconstruction, as well as financial resources, are lost.
Despite these advantages of late reconstruction, the primary reconstruction[26 ] is always preferred because of its surgical, functional, and psychological advantages.
Radical excision always leaves behind large tissue defects. Even a cm tumor produces
a defect of 5 cm. If not reconstructed, the morbidity is very high. Soft tissue fibrosis
wound bed contamination, obliterated, or encased recipient vessels required for microanastomosis
pose additional surgical challenges. The risk of flap failure and other postoperative
complications are more compared with primary reconstruction.[29 ] The reconstruction of anterior defects and shaping of the natural arch had been
found unsatisfying. Additional surgeries are required for proper corrections.[30 ] The expectations of a return to normalcy are also high. Less lifetime is lost if
the procedure is performed primarily.[31 ] Health-related quality of life (QOL) studies have demonstrated that immediate reconstruction
significantly improves QOL and that most patients prefer immediate reconstruction.[32 ]
[33 ]
[34 ]
[35 ]
[36 ] Even in our series also, we have found the primary reconstruction very satisfactory.
The proper selection of reconstructive modality is equally important for a favorable
outcome. Metal plate,[37 ] bioimplant containing BMP-7,[38 ] distraction osteogenesis,[39 ] and osseous flaps are few of the options available for reconstruction. Metal plate
fixation[40 ] is a simpler substitute where the microvascular facility is not available or when
a patient’s medical condition does not permit long hours of surgery. However, it is
temporary and works only as a spacer. The screws become loose over a period of time
and plate tends to extrude. Eventually, the plate has to be replaced by the bone.
Distraction osteogenesis has a very limited role to play in ameloblastomas,[41 ]
[42 ] while the long-term results of bioimplants are not available. Ideally, the bone
should be replaced with a bony tissue while involved mucosa or skin has to be replaced
with the soft tissue. The advantages of osteocutaneous flaps containing fibula above
other osseous flaps are well known. Apart from the long- and high-quality bone supply,
the soft tissue components harvested are a good replacement for buccal mucosa or overlying
skin when needed. The deepithelialized skin paddle or soleus muscle provides the necessary
bulk. Suitable donor vessels allow for anastomoses to large vessels in the neck. Placement
of osseointegrated dental implants is possible at the same sitting or a later date.[43 ] Two teams can work simultaneously to save the operative time. There is a minimum
donor site morbidity and disfigurement. There is a potential for further bony growth
in young patients.[44 ] In our series, we could reconstruct all defects of the mandible with the fibula
which is well evident from [Table 2 ] and the images.
Our aggressive surgical approach is probably influenced by the excellent functional
and aesthetic results of immediate reconstruction of the mandible, minimal recurrence
rates (2.85%), and less morbidity in adult patients. The secondary reconstruction
is always difficult and many times are not possible. As the near-total cure can be
achieved with a radical approach, all resources should be spent on thorough excision
and reconstruction.
Conclusion
Ameloblastoma is a benign, yet locally invasive odontogenic tumor with a high recurrence
rate when associated with an inappropriate initial therapeutic approach. The first
operation, especially radical, affords the best chance for cure. From our experience,
we recommend radical surgical resection and simultaneous reconstruction of the jaw
with the free fibular flap in mandibular ameloblastoma.
