Surgical access to multicystic lesions, by sagittal splitting of the lower jaw

A case is presented of a large, multiloculated primordial cyst in the lower jaw. In treatment planning of the lesion, a hemimandibulectomy had been seriously considered, but seemed to be too agressive a therapy for a non-malignant lesion. However, the recurrence rate of multiloculated cysts made a meticulous enucleation necessary. By employing a sagittal splitting of the right half of the mandible a good surgical access was provided and the cysts could be removed very thoroughly. Recurrence was not observed during a 3 years follow up period.