Abstract
Objective: To describe a new technique for closure of large oro-antral fistulas and report our results using this technique.
Method: A retrospective review in a tertiary referral hospital. Patients with large oro-antral fistulas were treated surgically using autograft septal cartilage and buccal pyramidal flap.
Results: There were 11 patients, 8 of whom had chronic oro-antral fistulas. The etiology was tooth extraction in 9 cases (81.8%), primordial maxillary cyst exicision in 1 case (9.1%), and dental implant in 1 case (9.1%). Four cases had extensive sinusitis and were managed by endoscopic sinus surgery. Complete closure of the fistula was obtained in 10 cases (90.9%), whereas 1 case (9.1%) failed. No other complications occurred.
Conclusion: The septal cartilage and pyramidal buccal flap technique is a viable alternative for the closure of large oroantral fistulas.The associated maxillary sinusitis can be safely managed by endoscopic sinus surgery.
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