Our Summary

Surgical ciliated cysts (SCC) are a rare type of growth that can occur after surgery, especially in the maxillary sinus (the largest of the sinuses, located in the cheek area). They were first identified in Japanese medical literature in patients who had been treated for chronic sinusitis. These cysts can also occur after jaw surgery, bone grafting, and trauma. They develop anywhere from a few months to several years after a surgical procedure.

The authors of this paper discuss two new cases of SCC that appeared after a specific type of jaw surgery (LeFort I osteotomy). One patient developed cysts on both sides and experienced a recurrence of the cysts five years later, which is unusual.

The researchers also looked at other studies from the past five years to understand how often these cysts reappear and how long patients are typically monitored after having the cysts removed. They found 17 cases in 15 articles. Most of these cases were associated with jaw surgery, but some were related to other types of surgeries and trauma. On average, patients were followed up for about 8.6 months after having the cysts removed. None of these studies reported any cases of the cysts coming back.

The authors believe that it’s important to monitor patients for a long time after they’ve had an SCC removed, as the cysts can come back several years later. This would allow for early diagnosis and treatment if the cysts do reappear.

FAQs

  1. What is a Surgical Ciliated Cyst (SCC)?
  2. What are the common procedures associated with the development of SCCs?
  3. What is the recommended follow-up period after the removal of an SCC and why is it necessary?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about orthognathic surgery is to ensure they attend all follow-up appointments and continue with long-term follow-up after the procedure. This is important for monitoring any potential complications, such as the development of surgical ciliated cysts, which can occur months to years after the surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment of any complications can help prevent further issues and ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended orthognathic surgery include those with severe malocclusion (misalignment of the teeth), facial asymmetry, sleep apnea, difficulty chewing or speaking, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Orthognathic surgery is often recommended for patients who have completed their growth and have exhausted other treatment options such as orthodontics.

Timeline

Before orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes a consultation with an orthodontist and oral surgeon to discuss treatment options for correcting their dentofacial deformity.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-surgical orthodontic treatment to align the teeth and prepare for the surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes various pre-surgical tests and evaluations to ensure they are a good candidate for orthognathic surgery.
  4. Patient receives a detailed treatment plan outlining the surgical procedure, recovery process, and expected outcomes.

After orthognathic surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes a period of post-surgical recovery, which may include swelling, pain, and difficulty eating.
  2. Patient follows a strict post-operative care regimen, including taking prescribed medications, attending follow-up appointments, and following dietary restrictions.
  3. Patient undergoes post-surgical orthodontic treatment to fine-tune the alignment of the teeth and achieve optimal results.
  4. Patient experiences gradual improvement in their facial appearance and function as they heal and the swelling subsides.
  5. Patient may require long-term follow-up to monitor for any potential complications or relapses, such as surgical ciliated cysts.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with orthognathic surgery, including the development of surgical ciliated cysts?
  2. How common is the occurrence of surgical ciliated cysts after orthognathic surgery?
  3. What symptoms should I be aware of that may indicate the presence of a surgical ciliated cyst?
  4. How will a surgical ciliated cyst be diagnosed and treated if it develops after my orthognathic surgery?
  5. What is the typical follow-up schedule for monitoring the development or recurrence of surgical ciliated cysts?
  6. Are there any specific precautions or measures I can take to prevent the development of surgical ciliated cysts after orthognathic surgery?
  7. How will the presence of a surgical ciliated cyst impact my recovery and long-term outcomes following orthognathic surgery?
  8. Are there any alternative treatment options available if a surgical ciliated cyst does develop after orthognathic surgery?

Reference

Authors: Soares JC, Villalba NC, Sanromán JF, Ferro MF, Fernández PL, Betancourt AL, López AC. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2021 Jan-Feb 01;32(1):e2-e5. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000006805. PMID: 32804812