Analysis of risk factors associated with complications following mandibulectomy and maxillectomy in dogs

• Published in: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association Vol. 259; no. 3; pp. 265 - 274
• Main Authors: Cray, Megan, Selmic, Laura E., Kindra, Cameron, Abrams, Brittany, Story, Ashton, Hovis, Kaitlan, Wustefeld-Janssens, Brandan, Park, Karen, Grimes, Janet A., Oblak, Michelle, Chen, Carolyn, Casale, Sue, Rollins, Amanda, Kennedy, Katie, Wilson, Jordan, Culp, William T. N., Wavreille, Vincent A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01-08-2021
• ISSN: 0003-1488; 1943-569X
• DOI: 10.2460/javma.259.3.265

Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To provide information about complication rates and the risk factors for complications with mandibulectomy and maxillectomy procedures in dogs.
ANIMALS
459 client-owned dogs that underwent a mandibulectomy or maxillectomy between January 1, 2007, and January 1, 2018.
PROCEDURES
Inclusion criteria included a complete medical record that contained an anesthesia record, surgical report, available histopathology results, and results of CBC and serum biochemical analysis before surgery. A minimum follow-up of 90 days after surgery was required.
RESULTS
271 complications occurred in 171 of 459 (37.3%) dogs. Eighteen complications were not given a severity description. Of the remaining 253 complications, most were considered minor (157/253 [62.1%]). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that only increased surgical time had a significant (OR, 1.36; 95% CI, 1.12 to 1.54) association with the occurrence of ≥ 1 complication. For each additional hour of surgery, the odds of complications increased by 36%. Preoperative radiation therapy or chemotherapy increased the odds of incisional dehiscence or oral fistula formation (OR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.3 to 7.2). Additionally, undergoing maxillectomy, compared with mandibulectomy, increased the odds of incisional dehiscence or oral fistula formation (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.1 to 3.1). Two hundred forty-four of 271 (90.0%) complications occurred in the perioperative period (0 to 3 months after surgery).
CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE
Compared with mandibulectomy, performing maxillectomy increased the risk for incisional dehiscence or oral fistula formation. Mandibulectomy and maxillectomy had a moderate risk for a complication.