maxillectomy
Surgical removal of part or all of the maxilla (upper jaw) to treat tumors of the maxillary sinus or palate.
Full Definition
A surgical procedure involving partial or complete removal of the maxilla, typically performed for malignant tumors of the maxillary sinus, hard palate, or alveolar process. The extent of resection varies from limited partial maxillectomy preserving the orbital floor to total maxillectomy including orbital exenteration. Infrastructure maxillectomy preserves the hard palate and orbital floor, while suprastructure maxillectomy removes these structures. Complex reconstruction often follows to restore function and cosmesis, frequently involving prosthetic rehabilitation or free tissue transfer.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify extent of resection (partial, total, infrastructure, suprastructure).
In Context
- "Total maxillectomy with orbital preservation was performed for the maxillary sinus carcinoma." — Surgical report
- "The patient required prosthodontic rehabilitation following partial maxillectomy." — Treatment planning note