Free fibula as a mode of reconstruction in large ameloblastomas of the mandible – An institutional experience

Large mandibular ameloblastomas should be treated radically with segmental mandibulectomy with a judicious surgical margin of at-least 1 cm from its radiographic margin as it has a high propensity to recur. The defects should be immediately reconstructed with a vascularised osteo-cutaneous flap to restore the pre-operative form function and cosmesis as far as possible. Postsurgical follow-up should be done at least annually for half a decade, as most cases recur within 5 years but some may show late recurrences as well.