I wouldnt be able to even guess at the reasoning behind what your doctor is proposing. Sorry, I cant help more. I may know alot about this type of surgery but thats cuz I gone thru it. There arent alot of us on here who have had this done. Ive been a member of OCF for over 3 years so I have learned alot from the forum.

I had several complications with my operation. The free flap failed and had to be redone. I was kept asleep for 3 weeks. Then I picked up MRSA while at the rehab center. That made me go back into the hospital where I ended up staying for a total of 2 months. Ive done hyperbaric oxygen treatments, had a picc line with IV antibiotics for 7 months, used a wound vacuum, seen wound care specialists, and had visiting nurses for 11 months. After all that, I wont do another big operation. It was a very very long road for me. What I went thru is rare. Everybody is different and responds differently to medications, treatments, surgeries, etc.

If your husband has an infection is he on antibiotics? Is your husband in alot of pain? Did your husband have radiation? I would recommend getting at least one more opinion before going thru with this operation. Dont cancel the date you have set up but please make sure you speak to another doctor and get their advice before the surgery. Another doctor may suggest something less invasive. A mandibulectomy is a rough operation, it takes a while to bounce back from this. Being an informed patient cant hurt.

Best of luck!!!