Correction of sickle cell gnathopathy by total maxillary osteotomy

Medical advances in the care of individuals with sickle cell disease have progressed to the level where elective surgical procedures can be performed. Successful management of these individuals requires understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease in conjunction with specific anaesthetic and surgical considerations. The clinical relevance of these factors are discussed as they relate to haematological, anaesthetic, and surgical management of a young black male who underwent a modified LeFort I osteotomy with segmentalization and genioplasty to correct a severe dentofacial deformity secondary to sickle cell gnathopathy.