Hyderabad: Kamineni Doctors Reconstruct Cancer Patient’s Jaw Using Leg Bone
Hyderabad, June 9(TNT): Doctors at Kamineni Hospitals on Tuesday claimed that they have successfully reconstructed the jaw of a 39-year-old man using bone and tissue from his leg after oral cancer caused by a prolonged history of gutkha chewing and smoking destroyed a portion of his jawbone.
The patient, a daily wage labourer, had been addicted to gutkha and tobacco smoking for nearly 12 years, the hospital said in a release here.
He approached the hospital with a painful non-healing ulcer on the inner side of his right cheek and severe restriction in mouth opening.
Clinical evaluation and biopsy confirmed cancer of the right buccal mucosa, which had advanced to involve the jawbone.
A multidisciplinary team led by Dr. D.V. Vineeth, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, performed a complex surgery involving wide excision of the tumour, segmental mandibulectomy and modified radical neck dissection to completely remove the cancer-affected tissues.
To restore the patient’s facial structure and jaw function, Dr. B. Krishna Chaitanya, Consultant Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, carried out a microvascular free fibula osteocutaneous flap reconstruction.
The procedure involved harvesting a section of bone and soft tissue from the patient’s leg and reshaping it to reconstruct the removed portion of the jaw.
Hospital authorities said the surgery enabled restoration of jaw continuity and facial contour while minimising long-term disability and disfigurement.
Dr. Vineeth said cancers associated with prolonged tobacco and gutkha consumption often require aggressive treatment to ensure complete removal of the disease and reduce the risk of recurrence.
Dr. Krishna Chaitanya noted that advances in reconstructive microsurgery now allow patients undergoing extensive cancer surgery to regain both function and appearance, helping them return to normal life.
The patient is currently stable and recovering well, with satisfactory restoration of facial structure and jaw function, the hospital said.
The case highlights both the serious health risks associated with long-term tobacco and gutkha consumption and the importance of early diagnosis and timely medical intervention in oral cancer cases.
TNT TS
