Synergistic benefits of hyperbaric oxygen therapy for postoperative palatal oro-nasal fistula following segmental Le Fort 1 osteotomy

Abstract

Segmental maxillary osteotomy, a surgical technique used in orthognathic surgery, involves the risk of palatal mucosa tearing, which can lead to severe complications. Herein, we report the case of a woman with Angle class II malocclusion who underwent multiple elective segmental maxillary osteotomy and augmentation genioplasty procedures for the correction of her malocclusion and the enhancement of her facial profile. A week after surgery, the patient developed a palatal ulcer. We adopted a comprehensive treatment approach involving 14-day hyperbaric oxygen therapy and conventional modalities; this approach resulted in favorable outcomes. Our case underscores the importance of immediate intervention and the synergistic potential of the comprehensive approach against oronasal fistula formation. Our findings indicate that hyperbaric oxygen therapy promotes wound healing, particularly in patients with complications arising from maxillofacial surgery.

Keywords

• Segmental Le Fort I osteotomy
• Palatal ulcer
• Oronasal fistula
• Hyperbaric oxygen
• Postoperative complication