Treatment of oroantral fistula with pediculated buccal fat pad- experience with 53 patients Sharma Rahul, Reader, Ruchi Vashisht, Sr. Lecturer, Mohit Gupta, BDS Address for Correspondence: Dr. Rahul Sharma, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Dr Harvansh Singh Judge Institute of Dental Sciences
Online published on 25 November, 2013. Abstract Questions Under Study To evaluate the success of buccal fat pad used in the reconstruction of oral defects, to clarify its indications and size limitations and to identify risk factors if there were any. Summary Chronic oro-antral fistula following dental extraction is not uncommon. Application of pedicled buccal fat pad (BFP) in the repair of the fistula is rather uncommon in our practice. This study demonstrates the use of BFPin the repair of chronic oro-antral fistula in 53 patients. Materials and Methods 53 patients from the Department of oral and maxillofacial surgery from Dr Harvansh Singh Judge Institute of Dental Sciences diagnosed with oro antral fistula and treated with buccal fat pad from a period of January 2010 to December 2011 were taken. Patients follow up was performed at 15 days, one month and four months. The data so obtained were evaluated and analyzed by applying descriptive statistics. Results The most common age group involved was 29–43 years. Gender distribution showed occurance in males more than females. The common cause of OAF was extraction of teeth, followed by trauma, infection, cysts. The most common involved tooth was upper first molar, followed by upper second molar and second premolar. Surgical technique used to close the fistula was use of pediculated buccal fat pad. Recurrence of fistula occurred in 3 patients. Conclusion Pedicled buccal fat pad is a reliable flap for the repair of oro-antral fistula. The easy mobilization of the BFP and its excellent blood supply and minimal donor site morbidity makes it an ideal flap. It should also be considered as a reliable back-up procedure in the event of failure of other techniques. Top Keywords Closure, oro-antral fistula, buccal fat pad. Top |