Comparison of pedicled buccal fat pad flap with buccal flap for closure of oro-antral communication

The aim of this study was to compare the clinical results of pedicled buccal fat pad flap (PBFPF) with the standard buccal flap in the closure of oro-antral fistula (OAF). Twenty-two patients aged 25–56 years with oro-antral communication were randomly divided into two groups using Rand List 1.2 software. In group 1, OAF was treated with the classic buccal sliding flap and in group 2 a pedicled buccal fat pad was used. All patients were visited 48 h, 1 week and 1 month after surgery for assessment of primary (success of surgery) and secondary outcomes (pain, swelling, maximum mouth opening (MMO) reduction). Both methods were equally successful for the closure of OAF. The pain score was statistically greater in the experimental group (U = 9, P = 0.001). MMO was statistically less in the experimental group 2 and 7 days after surgery (P < 0.001). 1 month after surgery, no statistically significant difference was found in MMO between the two groups (P = 0.09). In general, the PBFPF group had more pronounced swelling than the control group. Despite the statistical evidence, none of the patients complained of pain and swelling following the PBFPF procedure.