Correlation between decompression period and initial volume of large cystic lesions of the mandible: a retrospective CBCT Study

Purpose: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcomes of the decompression of large cystic lesions of the mandible and to analyze the correlation between decompression period and the cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) volume of initial lesions.Materials and Methods: The retrospective study included 13 patients who underwent decompression due to single cystic lesions. All the cystic lesions were localized in the mandible, between the anterior region and the ramus region. All the lesions recovered completely via decompression alone. Volume of the lesions was measured with CBCT and decompression was conducted with a customized acrylic resin stent inserted in the cystic cavity. Decompression period and initial CBCT volume were compared.Results: Mean age of the patients was 39.85 years, mean decompression periods was 12.38 months, mean follow-up period was 20.15 months, and mean initial CBCT volume was 7076.81 mm3. A positive correlation was found between the volume of the cystic lesions and the decompression period.Conclusion: Decompression can provide useful outcomes in the treatment of large cystic lesions in compatible cases since it provides numerous advantages such as noninvasive surgery, low risk of morbidity and severe complications such as bone fracture and inferior alveolar nerve injury. However, in aggressive cystic lesions such as odontogenic keratocyst and ameloblastoma, subsequent definitive surgery following decompression is recommended.