Topical 5-fluorouracil application in management of odontogenic keratocysts

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of topical application of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) after peripheral ostectomy, and compare it with other treatment modalities in the management of odontogenic keratocyst (OKC).

This prospective study was conducted in the OMFS department for last seven years, wherein twenty seven patients of OKC were included and randomly allocated to the three treatment groups. Nine were treated by enucleation followed by application of modified carnoy solution (CS), eleven by peripheral ostectomy followed by application of 5-FU and eleven by segmental resection (SR). Follow-up ranged from 2 to 4 years to assess bone healing and record any recurrence of lesion.

Amongst twenty seven patients, eighteen were males and nine females, age range 20-66 years. The most common location of OKC was posterior mandible. Complications included nerve injury, swelling, infection, and recurrence (66.6% after modified CS). Functional and aesthetic compromise was seen in resection patients whereas application of 5-FU had minimal nerve injuries, infection, swelling, no recurrence with no compromise in aesthetics and function.

Management of OKC by 5-FU is a novel surgical method having less morbidity, minimal recurrence, low cost, no functional or cosmetic deformity.