The Pull-Through Technique: A Viable Option for Preserving the Inferior Alveolar Nerve during Surgical Resection

Abstract

The aim of this study was to present a new surgical technique used to remove benign mandibular tumors with minimal damage to the inferior alveolar nerve. The pull-through technique was shown using an ameloblastoma surgical resection as an example. This technique consisted in the reconstruction of the lower jaw associating the resection of the lesion with nerve repair at the same surgical time. The resection was performed using the pull-through technique and the inferior alveolar nerve was preserved. After 6 months, the patient presented a recovery of approximately 80% of sensory function. The surgical technique presented should be considered an important method by which to produce a higher functional outcome to remove benign mandibular tumors with minimal damage to the inferior alveolar nerve and allows the maintenance of quality of life for the patient, as the consequences of this type of surgery are minimized.