Incidence and Treatment Protocol for Maxillofacial Fungal Osteomyelitis: A 12-Year Study.

PURPOSE: The aim was to retrospectively determine the incidence of fungal osteomyelitis and outcome of the surgical protocol and complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data were recorded from the medical records of patients treated from 2006 to 2018. Predictor variables were drawn from demographic characteristics (age and gender), etiology, most common site, associated comorbidities involved, and treatment protocol followed. The outcome variables were the success rate and associated complications. RESULTS: We identified 50 patients with fungal osteomyelitis out of 153 who were treated for various types of osteomyelitis for 12 years. The incidence was 32.6%; men were affected more than women, at a ratio of 2.5:1; and most common site was the maxilla (56%), followed by the mandible (32%) and other sites (12%). Treatment protocols were dependent on the nature of the lesion, site, and optimization of underlying comorbid conditions. The outcome of our protocol showed that 28 patients (56%) healed well. Patients with complications such as palatal fistula (13 [26%]) underwent revision surgery using a local advancement flap and the buccal fat pad. During the immediate postoperative period, 2 patients (4%) had wound dehiscence; 2 patients (4%) had nasal regurgitation; and 1 patient (2%) had a reduced mouth opening that was managed with a mouth-opening exercise regimen. In 1 patient (2%) with recurrence, secondary correction was performed after 6 months and postoperative antifungal therapy was administered for 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of fungal osteomyelitis was high owing to associated comorbidities. The surgical outcome was markedly influenced by a prompt diagnosis based on the clinical presentation and histopathology, identification and optimization of comorbidities, correction of electrolyte imbalances, 2 doses of amphotericin B preoperatively under an intensive care unit setup, intraoperative collection of specimens for fungal culture by a microbiologist, curettage and debridement of the soft tissue and bone, closure of the defect with either a local or regional flap, and postoperative antifungal therapy.

Elective Tracheostomy in Head and Neck Surgery: Our Experience.

INTRODUCTION: Tracheostomy is commonly used to secure the airway during the immediate postoperative period in maxillofacial oncological operations. We conducted a study to review the utility of elective tracheostomy in head and neck surgery. AIM: To review the incidence of intraoperative, perioperative and postoperative complications and its management in elective tracheostomy and to analyse its utility in head and neck surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included review of 50 patients, who were treated for head and neck cancers in the Department of Oral And Maxillofacial Surgery of our centre between January 2011 to December 2014. RESULTS: The study showed a male predilection with mean tracheostomy time of 25 minutes and operative time of 11 hours. The patients had an ICU stay of two days and elective ventilation of one day with mild tracheal secretion seen postoperatively. No other complications were noted intraoperatively or postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Elective tracheostomy even though an invasive tool when used properly in selected patients, can be safe and beneficial to the patients.