Treatment of large antro-alveolar fistulas.

Abstract

Conclusion and SummaryThe treatment of sinusitis is of essential importance in the management of patients with small antro-alveolar fistulas. The reverse is the case if the fistulous tract is large. The presence of a large fistula ensures good drainage and a possible sinusitis is cured as a result. Sinusitis was present in none of the four cases of large antro-alveolar fistula treated at the Oto-Laryngological Department, University Central Hospital, Helsinki. The method of closure is of prime importance for a successful result in these large fistulas, in contrast to cases of small fistula. A doubleplastic, described in detail, was performed in three cases. The result was good in all of these, whereas it was poor in one case in which the fistula was closed with the conventional buccal mucoperiosteal flap.