Pattern of maxillectomies: an analysis of 44 cases in a tertiary referral hospital, Sokoto, Northwest Nigeria

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Abstract

Background
The maxilla occupies a prominent and crucial position in the facial structure. Maxillectomy is an ablative surgical resection of the maxilla with attendant serious cosmetic deficit. There is paucity of data on the indications and pattern of maxillectomy in our centre. This study would help in better management of patients requiring this treatment.
Aim
The aim of this study was to determine the pattern of presentation of patients for maxillectomy at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria.
Patients and methods
This study was a retrospective review of theatre records of the hospital between January 2007 and March 2017. Patients data were collected for sociodemographics (age and sex), indication(s), clinical presentations, diagnosis/histologic subtypes, and type of maxillectomy performed.
Result
During the 11-year study period, a total of 44 patients underwent maxillectomy, aged 4–77 years (mean±SD=37.6±19.6 years) with a modal age of 31–40 years [11 (25.0%)]. There were 26 (59.1%) male and 18 (40.9%) female patients (male : female=1.8 : 1). Overall, benign lesions accounted for 12 (27.3%) cases and malignant lesions for 32 (72.7%) cases. There was statistical difference between the ages of benign (mean±SD=24.9±16.2 years) and malignant lesions (mean±SD=42.3±18.8 years) (=−2.83, =42, =0.0071). Benign lesions [11 (25.0%)] were commonly detected in those aged 40 years and younger, whereas malignancies [16 (36.4%)] were equally distributed across both divide. Total maxillectomy [34 (77.3%)] was the major surgical resection carried out, followed by subtotal maxillectomy [6 (13.6%)].
Conclusion
There is urgent need to focus on the prevention of orofacial malignancy to avoid surgery and complex rehabilitative expenses.

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