Straight midline mandibulotomy revisited

Objective: Describe recent experience with a simplified modification of the traditional mandibulotomy approach. Study Design: Retrospective chart review. Methods: Charts were reviewed retrospectively for 17 consecutive patients who underwent this approach over a 3-year period as a part of treatment for oral and oropharyngeal malignancies. Results: No cases of bony nonunion, plate exposure, or other complications related to the mandibulotomy occurred in the postoperative phase. Conclusions: The modified straight midline mandibulotomy approach is simple and provides safe access for the treatment of oral and oropharyngeal tumors while minimizing postoperative morbidity.