Objective To evaluate the effect of sensory disturbance after the sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO）on quality of life. Methods From September2004 to September 2005, 21 patients undergoing SSRO were studied by using questionnaires. There were 12 males and 9 females, aging 1927 years(mean 22.6 years).The patients were followed up at 4 weeks and 24 weeks after operation. The subjective questionnaire was completed by patient to evaluate the degree of living quality descending. Results At 4 weeks,19(90.48%) patients’ living quality descended because of postoperative sensory disturbance. Among them, 7(33.33%) patients had severe descending of living quality. The average effecting time of living accounted for total time 26.9%(about 6.5 h/d). At 24 weeks, 12(6316%) patients’ living quality descended because of postoperative sensory disturbance, 7(36.84%) patients could achieve preoperative living quality. The average effecting time of living accounted for total time 15.5%(about 3.7 h/d). Conclusion Most patients have descending of living quality after SSRO because of sensory disturbance. However, this condition can be improved during the followup and more than 1/3 patients canachieve their preoperative living quality.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research status of mandibular sensory dysfunction after transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach (TOETVA), and explore its potential treatment methods and existing problems, and provide ideas and methods for future clinical treatments or research. MethodThe domestic and foreign literatures about peripheral nerve injury and its treatment after TOETVA were searched and reviewed. ResultsMental nerve injury was considered to be the main cause of mandibular sensory dysfunction after TOETVA. Due to the lack of unified definitions and assessment standards, the true incidence remained unclear. In order to reduce the risk of mental nerve injury, methods such as exposing the mental nerve and combining vestibular approaches during surgery had certain advantages. In terms of treatment, several methods promoting nerve repair were noteworthy, including B vitamins, nerve growth factors, physical therapy and so on. In addition, some auxiliary treatments of Traditional Chinese Medicine also showed effectiveness in promoting nerve regeneration. ConclusionsIt is essential to avoid damage to the mental nerve and mandibular tissues during surgery. For patients with significant complaints postoperatively, active treatment should be pursued. Establishing objective and quantifiable standards for evaluating mandibular sensory dysfunction and seeking effective clinical plans through a multidisciplinary approach may be the direction for future research.