Patient's perception of improvement after surgical assisted maxillary expansion (SAME): pilot study.
OBJECTIVE
Clinicians often assume that changes following orthognathic surgery are both physically and psychologically beneficial to the patient. The present study investigates patient perception regarding improvement after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion.


METHODS
A survey with twenty-three patients was carried out to identify satisfaction with the surgical outcome and assess whether the surgery met patient expectations. General information was also collected on schooling, age, gender, chief complaint and reasons for seeking treatment.


RESULTS
Most patients (n = 19; 82%) were advised to undergo surgery by a dentist. Twenty-two (95%) patients reported being satisfied with the operation procedure. Twenty-one (91%) patients reported that the procedure met their expectations. Nineteen respondents would undergo the same operation again and would recommend treatment to others with similar problems.


CONCLUSIONS
The need for surgery associated with orthodontic appliances to correct a transverse maxillary deficiency requires a proper explanation to patients regarding the procedure and postoperative period in order to ensure realistic expectations concerning the surgical goals.
Rocha
Nelson Studart
NS
Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Pernambuco, Camaragibe, Pernambuco, Brasil. nelsonstudart@hotmail.com
Cavalcante
Josuel Raimundo
JR
de Oliveira e Silva
Emanuel Dias
ED
Caubi
Antônio Figueiredo
AF
Laureano Filho
José Rodrigues
JR
Gondim
David Gomes de Alencar
DG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010155:Palatal Expansion Technique / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D010865:Pilot Projects; D055815:Young Adult