Novel Use of Grommet Tube in the Treatment of Odontogenic Cysts Marsupialization: A Preliminary Study

Background: A conservative surgical method called marsupialization is used to treat large odontogenic cysts. A novel cyst tube (Grommet tube) was utilized to improve the drainage following marsupialization. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of the Grommet tube by measuring the rate of reduction in cyst size, assessing patients' satisfaction, and evaluating the occurrence of complications. Materials and methods: Marsupialization was performed under local anesthesia in 10 patients. Cone-beam computed tomography and a semi-automated segmentation method in the 3D Slicer 5.8.1 software were used to measure the cyst volume at baseline and six months after marsupialization, and a comparison between them was made to measure the percentage of reduction in cyst size.  To evaluate variations in the rate of reduction of cystic lesions in accordance with different parameters, a volumetric analysis was used. Results: Ten patients (2 female, 8 males; mean age 37 years, range: 18-51 years) with preoperative and postoperative cyst volumes of 6254 ± 4889.52 mm³ and 4145.5 ± 3385.3 mm³, respectively (P-value < 0.05), were handled. The volume reduction percentage was 33.71% after 6-months period. Overall, patient satisfaction was moderate. Significant results (P-value < 0.05) were obtained for sex, age, pathological diagnosis, and reduction rate. All patients showed soft tissue overgrowth, and 50% of cases revealed tube displacement. Conclusion: the Grommet tube was effective in reducing cyst size. The patients were satisfied with the tube. Tube displacement and soft tissue overgrowth were observed in a significant number of cases.