Late results following the Brosch-procedure for treating large mandibular ramus cysts

The Brosch-procedure and its modification, removal of the lingual cortex, for treatment of large cysts of the mandibular ramus is presented. 29 patients were treated by this method in the period 1961-1979. In a late follow-up it was found that recurrence occurred within 2 years in 8 of the 21 patients with odontogenic keratocysts. No recurrence could be found in patients with other cysts. Seven of the recurrences occurring within the first 2 years were treated under local anaesthesia. One patient with Gorlin's syndrome refused further treatment and 9 years postoperatively cystic expansion of the whole ascending ramus and ipsilateral mandibular body was present. It was noted that bone regeneration, irrespective of the nature of the causative cyst, is generally complete in two years.