The SECONDI MAPZ© system: new approach for the classification of oncological defects of the midface

The appearance and function of the midface are crucial physiologically, psychologically, and aesthetically, and defects in the region can be devastating. Most of these defects are caused by operations for cancer, for which surgical access and rehabilitation can be challenging. Clinical evidence in midfacial ablative surgery is limited because differences between existing classifications do not allow a uniform approach to data recording, which makes comparison difficult. We explore the history of the classification of midfacial and maxillary defects, we analyse the shortcomings of those currently in use, and propose a new system that enables defects to be mapped simply, logically, and accurately.