Long-Term Effectiveness of the Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad in the Closure of a Large Oroantral Fistula.
OBJECTIVE
This study evaluated the long-term effectiveness of the pedicled buccal fat pad (BFP) in the closure of a large oroantral fistula (OAF).


METHODS
Twenty-five consecutive patients with OAFs larger than 5 mm were treated with a pedicled BFP. They were followed clinically and radiographically for 10 years after surgery to monitor the durability and effectiveness of the pedicled BFP in the closure of the OAF.


RESULTS
The procedure was successful in all patients. The healing process was satisfactory, with no breakdown or liquefaction necrosis postoperatively. No complications were observed during the follow-up period.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study support the view that the use of the pedicled BFP is a durable, straightforward, convenient, and reliable method for the treatment of a large OAF.
Professor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Oral and Dental Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo; Chair, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Alharm Hospital, Ministry of Health, Cairo, Egypt. Electronic address: Daif_emad@yahoo.com.
Emad T
ET
Daif
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000637:transplantation*; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009957:Oroantral Fistula / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing