Assessment of Oral Health Related Quality of Life In Patients After Maxillectomy

Oral cancer has a profound impact on the quality of life for patients and their families. Functionally, the mouth is an important organ for speech, swallowing, chewing, taste and salivation. These functions become compromised due to surgical ablation of the tumor. This study evaluated the oral health related quality of life of the patients after maxillectomy which will help to prevent complication and achieve better quality of life after maxillectomy. The descriptive type of cross-sectional study which was conducted in the Department of Oral & Maxillofacial surgery, Dhaka Dental College Hospital for one year. University of Washington Quality of Life (UWQOL) scale was used for prepared data. 50 maxillary SCC patients were diagnosed at Dhaka Dental College Hospital. Regarding gender majority 32 (64%) respondents were female and 18 (36%) were male. Among the respondents 5 (10%) were aged ≤ 40 years, 23 (46%) were between 41-50 years of age, 8 (16%) were in the age group of 51-60 years and 14 (28%) were aged ≥ 61 years. Surgery alone (n = 32; 64%) was the most common treatment modality availed followed by surgery + chemotherapy (n = 8; 16%), surgery + radiotherapy (n = 5; 10%) and surgery + chemotherapy + radiotherapy (n = 5; 10%). Maximum patients 42 (84%) received type-II maxillectomy, 6 (12%) received type-I maxillectomy and 2 (4%) received type-III maxillectomy. Patients who were treated maxillectomy suffering from psychological problems including anxiety and depression due to loss of function and esthetic damage. Maxillectomy defects should be reconstructed either surgically with local soft tissue pedicle flap or free flaps or by prosthodontic rehabilitation (obturator). To improve the quality of life after maxillectomy we have to ensure proper counseling before and after operation, expert maxillofacial surgeons, proper reconstruction option, healthy diet, proper follow-up, increase the social awareness, family support and sympathy from hospital staff and family members.