Recurrence rate following treatment for primary multicystic ameloblastoma: systematic review and meta-analysis

Opinions regarding the treatment of multicystic ameloblastoma are divergent due to its benign nature and the high rate of recurrence if not adequately excised. The aim of the present study was to perform a systematic review of the literature for a qualitative and quantitative assessment of studies addressing primary multicystic ameloblastoma with regard to treatment and recurrence. Searches were conducted of the Ovid Medline and Embase databases for articles published up to January 2014. Based on predefined eligibility criteria, studies were selected in a two-stage screening process conducted by two independent reviewers. Quality assessment of the selected articles was performed using the modified criteria of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. The meta-analysis was performed using Review Manager (RevMan) software. Statistical heterogeneity was investigated by performing a χ(2) test at the 5% significance level (P<0.05) and determining I(2). The relative risk of recurrence was 3.15-fold greater (95% confidence interval 1.98-5.00) when conservative treatment was performed on primary multicystic ameloblastoma in comparison to radical treatment (P<0.00001 for treatment effect; I(2)=0% and P=0.48 for heterogeneity). The findings justify the treatment of primary multicystic ameloblastoma with bone resection.