ABSTRACT
Oroantral fistula is a pathologic communication between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus which usually occurs as a result of maxillary posterior tooth extraction. The aim of the current work is to present a new technique for closure of oroantral fistulas using autogenous septal cartilage and a buccal pyramidal flap. All patients undergoing closure of large oroantral fistula using this technique in Hai Al Jamea Hospital, .Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between the years 2001 and 2005 were included in this study. There were eleven patients, eight of whom had chronic oroantral fistulas. The aetiology was tooth extraction in nine cases [81.8%], primordial maxillary cyst excision in one case [9.1%], and dental implant in one case [9.1%]. Four cases had extensive sinusitis and were managed by endoscopic sinus surgery. Complete closure of the fistula was obtained in 10 cases [90.9%]. whereas one case [9.1%] failed. No other complications occurred The septal cartilage and pyramidal buccal flap technique is a viable alternative for the closure of large oroantral fistulas. The associated maxillary sinusitis can be safely managed by endoscopic sinus surgery