Maxillectomy

Abstract

The concept of maxillectomy was first described in 1826, but the first attempt at the procedure was unsuccessful because of excessive blood loss. In 1828, the first successful maxillectomy, including an orbital exenteration, was performed. Around the turn of the century maxillectomy began to be replaced by irradiation alone or by electrocautery and irradiation as the preferred methods for destroying the jaw and its lesions. Despite high rates of complications, such as necrosis and sequestration, improved survival rates made this an acceptable form of therapy. Various combinations of irradiation by external beam, intracavitary radium, or radium implants with drainage procedures evolved. Maxillectomy is also being performed currently as an access procedure for some skull-base and nasopharyngeal tumors. The maxilla is preserved by lateral attachments and replaced using plating techniques.