A modified surgical approach for the treatment of mandibular unicystic ameloblastoma in young patients

Background: Unicystic ameloblastoma is a distinct clinicopathological entity with its cyst-like radiographic appearance and occurrence in the mandible of young patients. Surgical resection of the mandible leads to jaw deformity and challenging reconstruction burden, especially among young patients. Conservative treatment, however, results in less serious function and esthetic impairment. Purpose: We aimed at evaluating dredging method as an alternative conservative surgical approach in young patient with large unicystic ameloblastoma. Patients and methods: Twenty patients (n=20) with histologically-diagnosed unicystic ameloblastoma were recruited for this prospective study. The surgical treatment protocol comprised an initial deflation (marsupialization) step, followed by later enucleation and subsequent repeated separate dredging procedures. Results: The study population comprised 16 males and 4 females. The average age at the time of diagnosis was 18.5 years. At the last follow-up period, achievement of normal mandibular bone contour with no radiographic signs of recurrence was evident. Conclusion: The dredging method as a modified surgical technique may represent a reliable approach for management of unicystic ameloblastoma in young patients.