Enucleation of large keratocystic odontogenic tumor at mandible via unilateral sagittal split osteotomy: a report of three cases

Abstract

Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) is a common benign tumor of osseous lesions in dental and maxillofacial practice. We describe three cases of large KCOT located in the posterior part of the mandible extending to the angle and ramus region, which were enucleated via sagittal split osteotomy (SSO) of the mandible. There are cases in which a conventional enucleation procedure does not ensure complete excision of the entire lesion without damage to vital structures like the inferior alveolar nerve. In such cases, a SSO approach could be a better choice than conventional methods. The purpose of this article is to describe our experience using unilateral mandibular SSO for removal of a KCOT from the mandible.

“Split to Save”: Accessing Mandibular Lesions using Sagittal Split Osteotomy with Virtual Surgical Planning

“…1 SSO has occasionally been used as an alternative to expose and remove benign intramandibular lesions. 2–5 Advantages include avoidance of large mandibular resections for benign but extensive lesions, preservation of cortical bone and associated dentition (particularly important for growing individuals), rapid return to premorbid jaw function, and avoidance of secondary bone grafting or free tissue transfer.…”