[Treatment of recurrent odontogenic keratocyst with enucleation and cryosurgery: a retrospective study of 10 cases].

Purpose: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of treatment of recurrent odontogenic keratocyst with enucleation and cryosurgery in 10 consecutive cases.

Methods: 10 patients with recurrent odontogenic keratocyst of the jaw were treated with enucleation and liquid nitrogen cryosurgery between 1994 and 2000. After enucleation of the cystic lining, liquid nitrogen (-196 degrees C) was applied to the bony walls via cotton rolls for cryosurgery. The time for cryosurgery was between 3 to 5 minutes with 3 cycles of freeze and thaw. All the patients were followed up for 5 to 10 years after treatment with regular clinical and radiographic examinations. Postoperative complications and the final outcomes were evaluated.

Results: No recurrence was noted within the follow-up period after combined treatment of enucleation and cryosurgery. Secondary wound healing developed in 1 patient due to accidental freezing of the adjacent tissues, and pathologic fracture of the mandible occurred in 1 patient. The fracture healed secondarily with intermaxillary fixation.

Conclusion: Based on these results, the combination of enucleation and liquid nitrogen cryotherapy offers patients improved therapy in the management of recurrent odontogenic keratocysts of the jaw, with lower recurrence and avoidance of ostectomy, which is likely to be accepted by the patients.