The mandible is the lower part of the jaw that moves. Surgery done to remove this part of the jaw is called a mandibulectomy. It can be used to treat oral cavity cancers (cancers inside the mouth).
There are two types of mandibulectomy:
Note: You may need a tracheostomy (tube/hole that lets you breathe through the neck), feeding tube, or to have your jaw wired closed for a short time depending on the surgery you had. Your team will talk to you about the specifics of your surgery.
As with any surgery, there are risks and possible side effects. These can be:
Before surgery, your provider will talk to you about any other risks, based on your health and the surgery you are having.
Recovery from a mandibulectomy depends on the procedure you had. Often, you will be in the hospital for 10 to 14 days. In some cases, a temporary or permanent feeding tube is needed for nutrition during and after the healing. This tube can go through your nose or may be placed through the abdominal (belly) wall into the stomach. Your jaw may be wired shut to keep the upper and lower teeth lined up. You may also need drains in your neck to let fluid drain out, a urinary catheter (to help you pee), and/or a tracheostomy (surgery to create an opening into the windpipe).
You will be told how to care for your incisions (surgical cuts) and will be given any other instructions before leaving the hospital. You provider will talk to you about changes to your diet, caring for your feeding tube and/or tracheostomy, as well as the need for rehabilitative and/or speech therapy.
Your care team will talk with you about the medications you will be taking, such as those for pain, blood clot, infection, and constipation prevention, and/or other conditions.
Your provider will talk to you about changes in your activity level, which depends on the surgery you had. Often, you should:
Your healthcare team will tell you when you should call the office. Often you should call you provider’s office if you have:
You may need a family member or friend to help you with your daily tasks until you are feeling better. It may take some time before your team tells you that it is ok to go back to your normal activity.
Be sure to take your prescribed medications as you are told to prevent pain, infection and/or constipation. Call your team with any new or worsening symptoms.
There are ways to manage constipation after your surgery. You can change your diet, drink more fluids, and take over-the-counter medications. Talk with your care team before taking any medications for constipation.
Taking deep breaths and resting can help manage pain, keep your lungs healthy after anesthesia, and promote good drainage of lymphatic fluid. Try to do deep breathing and relaxation exercises a few times a day in the first week, or when you notice you are extra tense.
This article contains general information. Please be sure to talk to your care team about your specific plan and recovery.
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