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.
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