USE OF BUCCAL ADVANCEMENT FLAP FOR REPAIR OF OROANTRAL FISTULA: A CASE SERIES STUDY

Objective: To evaluate the success rate of Buccal advancement Flap (BAF) in closure of Oroantral communication (OAC) and Fistula. Materials and Methods: In this case-series study, buccal advancement flap (BAF) was used in 45 consecutive patients at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department of Fatima Memorial Hospital Lahore for period of one year (May 2018-May2019). Male to female ratio was 2:1 and mean age=26 years. Right maxillary OAF of first and second molars presented more than left side (n=35, 77%). All defects were not more than 5mm. After application of flap, patients were evaluated for sign and symptoms of infection, wound dehiscence, loss of flap whether partial or complete and recurrence of oroantral fistula (OAF). Data was analyzed using SPSS version 20, INC, Chicago USA with descriptive analysis to derive percentages and frequencies for all variables. Results: Thirty nine patients (86%) had successful healing of flap. Partial loss occurred in one patient (2.25%). Wound dehiscence was seen in two patients (4.45%). Complete loss of flap was also noted in two patients (4.45%). Recurrent OAF has occurred in one patient (2.25%). Conclusion: BAF is a flap of choice for immediate closure of OAC and OAF of ≤5mm in the region of maxillary first and second molar. The technique is simple and vascular supply ensures the proper healing of flap. More work needs to be done to evaluate the causes for the partial or complete loss of the flap.