Use of refrigerant spray of a propane/butane/isobutane gas mixture in the management of keratocystic odontogenic tumors: a preliminary study

Purpose Keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) is an aggressive benign tumor and the management by complete enucleation followed by cryotherapy maintains the inorganic bone matrix, resulting in better repair and reduces the rates of recurrence. A refrigerant spray with a propane/butane/isobutane gas mixture has been pointed to as an alternative to liquid nitrogen, because the device is easy to handle and contain within the cavity, providing better control and lower risk of injury to the adjacent soft tissue. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of enucleation followed by cryosurgery using a refrigerant spray of this gas mixture in ten patients diagnosed with KCOT. Method The biggest lesions received a prior treatment consisting of marsupialization to decrease the tumor size. During the surgeries, the lesions were removed by enucleation and the surgical site was sprayed with the gas mixture. Results Wound dehiscence was observed in all cases, which healed by the second intention. The mean follow-up period was 64.3 months (range 24–120 months). Eight of the ten patients showed no evidence of clinical or radiographic recurrence. Pathologic fractures and infections were not observed. Conclusions The results obtained suggest that enucleation followed by cryosurgery is an effective therapy for managing KCOT.