Caldwell Luc Closure of Oroantral Fistula

Caldwell Luc Closure of Oroantral Fistula

Patient undergoes traumatic extraction one month ago

The patient is a 54-year-old lady from Chennai in Tamil Nadu, India. She had developed pain in the right upper back teeth region around a month ago. An x-ray was taken at an outpatient clinic of a dental school and she had been advised extraction of the right upper second molar. It had been a very difficult extraction and the entire tooth had been removed in pieces.

Subsequently, the patient had experienced swelling in the region followed by heaviness on the right side of her face. She described a feeling of having fluid flowing from the right side of her face down her throat. Her family had subsequently made enquiries regarding the best dental hospital in Chennai and were referred to our hospital.

Our hospital is a premier oral and maxillofacial surgery center in India. Many patients come to our hospital after unsuccessful surgeries elsewhere. We are renowned for corrective maxillofacial surgery in India. Hundreds of patients with chronic maxillofacial problems have been successfully rehabilitated in our hospital.

Initial examination upon presentation at our hospital

Dr SM Balaji, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, examined the patient and ordered pertinent imaging studies including a 3D CT scan. The patient stated that she has a history of maxillary sinusitis. Her imaging studies revealed that her maxillary sinus was filled with an exudate. There was also an oroantral fistula present at the site of the traumatic extraction.

In addition, a full thickness defect was also noted on the bony nasal septum. The patient had previously undergone a septoplasty approximately three years ago. Nose blowing test was positive.

Oroantral communication versus oroantral fistula

An oroantral fistula is an abnormal condition where the maxillary sinus is exposed to the oral cavity through an epithelialised fistula. This is a pathologic condition and is not to be confused with oroantral communication. An oroantral communication, if left untreated, can either heal spontaneously or progress into oroantral fistula. The fistulous opening is in a majority of cases situated on the alveolus.

Treatment planning explained and consent obtained

It was decided to perform an oroantral fistula closure along with clearance of exudates from the maxillary sinus. Caldwell Luc procedure is the ideal surgery for this condition. The surgery was explained in detail to the patient. She then provided consent for the surgery.

Surgical closure of the oroantral fistula

Under adequate general anesthesia, a crevicular incision was first made in the right maxillary region. A flap was then elevated and the oroantral fistula exposed. There was purulent discharge within the antrum. Through Caldwell Luc technique, a window was created and thorough maxillary sinus clearance was done.

Irrigation was done with antibiotics and thoroughly flushed until there was return of clear irrigant. The flap was then reapproximated and sutured using resorbable sutures.

Successful resolution of symptoms and antral infection

There was no residual fullness felt by the patient. She expressed that all her symptoms had completely resolved and she felt completely fine. The patient expressed her happiness at the results of the surgery and thanked the surgical team before final discharge from the hospital.

Surgery Video


Successful closure of Oroantral Fistula

Successful closure of Oroantral Fistula

This is a middle-aged patient from a small town in Jharkhand. He had undergone extraction of an upper back tooth in his hometown. This was about a year ago. The wound refused to heal for a very long time. Any fluid he drank drained from his nose. This alarmed him to a great extent. He visited a local dentist. The dentist explained that there was a communication between his mouth and nose. He further explained the patient needed a minor surgery for this. The patient was then referred to a local oral surgeon.
A few months after the surgery, the patient still had the problem. It was then that he decided to turn to the Internet. Internet research for the best oral surgeon led the patient straight to our hospital.
The patient presented to our hospital. Dr. SM Balaji examined the patient and diagnosed an oroantral fistula. He then advised closure of the same. The oroantral fistula was then closed using Ashley’s palatal flap technique. A positive suction test demonstrated successful closure of the fistula. The patient expressed his thankfulness before final discharge from the hospital.

Oroantral Fistula Closure Surgery – Dr SM Balaji, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, India

Oroantral Fistula Closure Surgery – Dr SM Balaji, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, India

This patient developed an oroantral fistula after undergoing a traumatic extraction of the right maxillary second molar a few years ago in his hometown.   He had already been operated a few times previously, but the fistula kept recurring.   An oroantral fistula is a communication between the oral cavity and the maxillary sinus that is lined by epithelial tissue.  He was referred to Balaji Dental and Craniofacial Hospital, Teynampet, Chennai for management of his problem.

Oroantral Fistula Closure Surgery

Dr. S. M. Balaji examined the patient and decided to perform a palatal flap closure of his oroantral fistula.  Following successful induction of general anesthesia, a palatal flap was raised, the epithelialized tissue from the fistula was excised and closure was obtained by suturing the flap over the oroantral fistula.  The patient presented to Dr. Balaji a month after surgery and a nose blow test confirmed complete closure of his fistula.  The patient expressed his gratitude to Dr. Balaji for solving this long standing problem, which was causing significant mental anguish for the patient.