Articles of marsupialization and decompression on cystic lesions of the jaws: A literature review

ObjectiveThe articles on the usage of marsupialization and decompression for most cystic lesions of the jaws were reviewed by literature.MethodsA computer database search was performed on PubMed and Ovid for all years before 2011 available. Search key words were (marsupialization or decompression), (cyst or cystic) and (dental or oral). The descriptive statistics were made based on journals, areas that originated from, diagnosis, site of involvement, treatment modality, devices, follow-up, and recurrence.ResultsA total of 69 articles were included and analyzed. The topic has been reported in 33 kinds of journals by 23 countries and areas. The cystic lesions mainly included dentigerous cyst, keratocystic odontogenic tumor, radicular cyst, and ameloblastoma. The other treatments combined with marsupialization and decompression was tooth extraction, tooth traction, enucleation, curettage, and bone resection. 32 articles reported the devices, including tube, gauze, obturator and others. 45 articles reported the definite time for follow-up and 54 articles reported no recurrence of the lesions.ConclusionMarsupialization or decompression could be performed as single surgical procedure or combined with other treatment modalities through different devices for many cystic lesions in different sites of jaws. It has been accepted and used as a conservative surgical option. The long term observation confirmed the effectiveness of the treatment.