Surgical and Prosthetic Rehabilitation of Maxillary Oncological Defects: A Systematic Review of their influence on Patients' Quality of Life

The functional, esthetic, and psychological outcomes of oncological defects rehabilitation after tumor resection are crucial. This systematic review discusses and summarizes previous findings on management, treatment outcomes, post-insertion evaluation of various obturators, surgical reconstructions, and their influence on patients’ quality of life. Eligible studies were identified using PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Scielo. Patients’ quality of life was categorized and measured using the Obturator Function Scale (OFS). The reporting was following PRISMA guidelines. Thirty-three articles covering seventeen countries met the inclusion criteria. The defects were treated by multiple approaches, including a conventional obturator, implant retain obturator and flap reconstruction. Each method shares its own strengths and weaknesses that should be taken into account. Post-insertion evaluation should be done by measuring facial appearance, speech ability, leakage, subjective complaint, path of insertion, masticatory system, and social interaction. This study suggests a more suitable approach considering the size, severity, and location of the defect. Appropriate obturator placement results in better functioning and improving patients’ quality of life. Obturator prostheses enhanced overall function maxillary oncological defects patients by addressing both functional and aesthetic challenges. However, the management should consider the suitable obturators or surgical reconstructions options to results better outcomes.