use of bioglass in closure of recurrent oroantral fistula

ABSTRACT

Oroantral fistula is a commonly encountered clinical problem. As the meter of the bony deficiency and elevated air pressure on one or both of the wound are main factors involved in healing of OAF it was in this study to investigate the effects of the use of Bioglass for the treatment of recurrent oroantral fistula after surgical closure. The study conducted on. 14 patients having a history suggesting oroantral fistula after tooth extraction with recurrence after previous surgical closure. A coronal CT scan was performed to assess the maxillary sinus and to evaluate the fistula. The Caldwell-Luc operation was performed endscopically for the existing sinus pathology. After the treatment of sinus pathology, a palatal, buccal or buccopalatal flap was created. Scar tissue and osteitis were removed from the fistulous tract. The track was then closed using a piece of Bioglass plate. The piece of the used bioglass as sculptured using a sharp scalpel or a diamond burr until it becomes nearly fitted to the track then it was placed inside the track, If there is any space between the piece of the Bioglass and the outer wall of the sic. The mucoperiosteal palatal flap is rotated across over the defect. After 3 months the fistula closed by new bone of nearly the same density of the a.4jacent bone in 12 patients. Postoperative radiographs showed clear sinuses in 12 patients with mildly thickened mucosa at the floor and adjacent parts of the medial and lateral walls. In 2 patients the operation was considered as failed. One of those two patients was diabetic. In the diabetic patient, there was extrusion of the bioglass after 7 days from the wound which healed partially. The sinus drained purulent discharge from the wound. The flaps were edematous and swollen at the site of the fistula. In the other patient the there was marked pain at the site of the operation, non healing of the flap above the site of the track. The bioglass plate was loose and got clown easily from the wound. Culture of the purulent discharge of both patients revealed aerobes [Gm positive streptococci and staphylococci.] while in the other diabetic patient, there was mixture of aerobes and anaerobes. In conclusion. The use of bioglass can be helpful in closure of large recurrent oroantral fistula. It acts as a barrier preventing oral and maxillary sinus epithelium to cover the track. It abolishes the elevated pressure in the sinus or oral cavity which may be a factor of failure of healing of soft tissue closure. It is not only beneficial for closure of the fistula by new bone formation but also provides sufficient. bone in the alveolar region which may be beneficial for further placement of osseo-integrated implant and conventional prosthetic rehabilitation