[Severe vascular complications of Le Fort I osteotomy]. / Complications vasculaires graves de l'ostéotomie de Le Fort I.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Le Fort I osteotomy is a common orthognathic procedure. This surgery presents risk of severe vascular complications because of local anatomy. The aim of our study was to collect data on vascular complications of Le Fort I osteotomies performed in our department, describe the diagnostic and therapeutic aspects, and discuss prevention. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made on the files of patient having undergone Le Fort 1 osteotomy, between 1998 and 2007. Severe vascular complications were recorded, defined as postoperative hemorrhagic or ischemic complications severe enough to require a specific procedure. RESULTS: Nine hundred and sixteen patient files were included (39% male and 61% female patients, mean-age 24.42 years; range 13 to 59 years). Five patients presented with severe hemorrhagic complication. There was no ischemic complication. Three hemorrhagic episodes occurred in the immediate postoperative phase. In two cases, delayed hemorrhagic complication occurred, diagnosed as a pseudo-aneurysm by angiography. These were treated by hyperselective embolization. DISCUSSION: Vascular complications of Le Fort I osteotomies are rare (0.55% in our series). They are most frequently hemorrhagic complications.