Quality of Life in Oral Cancer Patients Following Surgical Excision and Flap Reconstruction

Background Incidence of oral cancer have been increased aggressively in recent years, and many advanced surgical techniques have developed to facilitate the treatment of disease while preserving the patient's quality of life (QoL). Subjects and Methods The present study aims toward the evaluation of patient's satisfaction toward the current treatment procedure for oral cancer by assessing the QoL preoperatively and postoperatively. In the study period of four years, we had operated 150 patients with oral cancer (Stage III and IVa) by surgical excision and flap reconstruction, and QoL was assessed using the WHO-QoL BREF questionnaire. Results We found significant improvement after surgery in various aspects of QoL including the physical health, social health, psychological health and environmental health. Conclusions The present study is evidence of patient satisfaction toward the current treatment protocols of oral cancer. However, advanced surgical techniques that can enhance the rate of functional rehabilitation can have paramount importance in improving the patient's QoL.