Name of the Procedure:

Excision of Benign Tumor or Cyst of Maxilla or Zygoma by Enucleation and Curettage

• Common Name: Surgical Removal of Jaw Tumor or Cyst

Summary

The surgical removal of a non-cancerous tumor or cyst located in the upper jaw (maxilla) or cheekbone (zygomatic) area. The procedure involves enucleation, which is the removal of the lesion, and curettage, which is scraping out the surrounding tissue to ensure complete excision.

Purpose

To treat benign tumors or cysts in the jaw or cheekbone that may cause discomfort, aesthetic concerns, or potential future complications. The goal is to completely remove the abnormal growth and promote healing while preventing recurrence.

Indications

• Presence of a non-cancerous tumor or cyst in the maxilla or zygoma
• Symptoms such as swelling, pain, or infection
• Radiographic evidence suggesting the need for removal
• Failure of conservative treatments or rapid growth of the lesion

Preparation

• Fasting for at least 6-8 hours prior to the procedure if general anesthesia is used
• Stopping certain medications as instructed by the physician
• Pre-operative imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs to assess the lesion

Procedure Description

1. Administration of local or general anesthesia.
2. Making an incision over the affected area.
3. Enucleation: Carefully removing the tumor or cyst in its entirety.
4. Curettage: Scraping the surrounding bone to ensure all abnormal tissue is excised.
5. Closure of the incision with sutures and application of a sterile dressing.

Duration

Typically takes around 1 to 2 hours, depending on the size and complexity of the lesion.

Setting

Usually performed in a hospital or outpatient surgical center.

Personnel

• Oral and maxillofacial surgeon
• Surgical nurse
• Anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist

Risks and Complications

• Infection at the surgical site
• Bleeding or hematoma formation
• Nerve damage leading to numbness or tingling
• Recurrence of the cyst or tumor
• Adverse reactions to anesthesia

Benefits

• Removal of the lesion to alleviate symptoms
• Prevention of potential complications like infections or damage to nearby structures
• Restoration of normal appearance and function
• Expected benefits typically realized within a few weeks post-surgery

Recovery

• Pain management with prescribed medications
• Post-operative care including maintaining oral hygiene and possible use of antiseptic mouthwash
• Soft diet for a few days to reduce strain on the surgical site
• Avoid strenuous activities for 1-2 weeks
• Follow-up appointments to monitor healing

Alternatives

• Observation with regular monitoring (if the lesion is asymptomatic and not growing)
• Aspiration or drainage in case of cysts (less common)
• Minimally invasive techniques such as marsupialization (for cysts)
• Pros: Less invasive options entail a quicker recovery.
• Cons: Higher risk of recurrence or incomplete removal compared to excision and curettage.

Patient Experience

• During the procedure, patients under local anesthesia may feel pressure but should not feel pain. General anesthesia patients will be asleep.
• Post-procedure, patients may experience swelling, mild to moderate pain, and some bruising.
• Pain management with medications is effective, and comfort measures like cold packs may help reduce swelling.