Endoscopic-assisted enucleation of large mandibular odontogenic cysts.

OBJECTIVE: Traditional enucleation of large mandibular odontogenic cysts is an invasive method, which might be associated with several complications. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of endoscope-assisted enucleation of large mandibular cysts. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty-seven patients with large mandibular odontogenic cysts were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into 2 groups as follows: (1) 25 patients who were treated with traditional enucleation and (2) 32 who underwent endoscope-assisted enucleation. Allogeneic bone grafting was applied in all cases. RESULTS: All patients successfully underwent the operation. The follow-up period ranged from 16 to 28 months. Recurrence was found in 2 patients (8%) in the traditional enucleation group; no recurrence was observed in patients in the endoscope-assisted enucleation group. Permanent mandibular nerve palsy was found in 2 patients in the traditional enucleation group; only 2 cases of temporary mandibular nerve palsy were observed in the endoscope-assisted enucleation group. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscope-assisted enucleation of large mandibular odontogenic cysts proved to be an effective treatment method, providing complete enucleation of the cystic lesion while preserving surrounding tissue.