Use of decompression tubes in the management of excessively large odontogenic keratocyst

Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is a unique cyst because of its locally aggressive behaviour, high recurrence rate and characteristic histological appearance. A radical surgical approach is commonly advocated with morbid and disfiguring results. This approach also presents several reconstructive obstacles especially in anterior mandible. In this case report the authors present a 25-year-old male patient with a large OKC and treatment with decompression followed by enucleation, and chemical cauterisation. This approach though demanding prolonged treatment time and postoperative follow-up decreases the morbidity to a great extent in a young individual. At the same time, it allows an opportunity for the maxillofacial surgeon to preserve the natural dentition, maintain function and safeguard cosmesis. In our case, the authors effectively achieved all the aforementioned objectives. At the same time a radical option of treatment is still left in the armoury if required at a later date.