OBJECTIVETo prospectively investigate the effectiveness of suction drainage for correction of maxillofacial deformities caused by cystic lesions of the mandible.

METHODSSuction drainage was performed in 21 cases with large cystic lesions of the mandible which had expanded facial contour. Clinical and radiological examinations of these patients were carried out regularly. The volume of the cavity was measured during treatment. The expansion indexes on axial CT image and area of the cyst on a panoramic radiograph were measured preoperatively and postoperatively. The curettage via intraoral incision was completed until the extent of disease significantly shrunk.

RESULTSAfter a mean duration of suction drainage of 5.1 months, the volume and the size on the panoramic radiographic of the cystic lesions were reduced by an average of 84% and 63% respectively. The expansion indexes were reduced notably during treatment. Computerized tomography of the mandible showed that the contour of expanded mandible was restored greatly and notable new bone was formed in the area of cortex perforation.

CONCLUSIONSSuction drainage is a useful treatment modality for the primary management of giant cystic lesion of the mandible, and can fast correct maxillofacial deformities caused by bony expansion and perforation in the area of cystic lesions.