Background: The optimal timing of mandibular reconstruction is debated, as immediate surgery may increase complications, while delayed reconstruction faces challenges. Comparative evidence on complication rates between the two approaches remains limited.
Purpose: This study compared complications between immediate and delayed mandibular reconstruction after tumor resection.
Materials and Method: A retrospective cohort of 70 patients who underwent reconstruction at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (May 2015–April 2024) was analyzed. Patients were divided into immediate reconstruction (simultaneous with resection) and delayed reconstruction (more than two months post-resection). Data on demographics, smoking, radiation history, defect size, graft type, and pathology were collected. Post-operative complications, including dehiscence, infection, and graft loss, were evaluated. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS, with significance set at p Value <0.05.
Results: No significant differences were observed in age, gender, defect size, graft type, or radiation exposure between groups. However, dehiscence was significantly more common in the immediate group (45.7%) compared to the delayed group (20%) (p= 0.04). Infection (17.1% vs 8.6%) and graft loss (14.3% vs 5.7%) were higher in the immediate group but not statistically significant (p> 0.05). Smoking and radiation exposure significantly increased the risks of dehiscence and graft failure.
Conclusion: While immediate reconstruction offers timely restoration, it is associated with a higher dehiscence rate. These findings emphasize tailoring treatment plans based on patient-specific factors, particularly smoking and radiation history, to improve outcomes in mandibular reconstruction.