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Complex orthognathic surgery: assessment of patient satisfaction.

Posnick JC, Wallace J

Posnick Center for Facial Plastic Surgery, Chevy Chase, MD, USA. jposnick@drposnick.com

PURPOSE: The purpose of our survey study was to determine if bimaxillary orthognathic surgery with simultaneous intranasal surgery and other procedures carried out primarily for the correction of a developmental dentofacial deformity can be completed with a high level of patient satisfaction and minimal complications. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A consecutive series of 42 patients entered in the study from senior surgeon's (J.P.) patients at a single institution who underwent the minimum designated simultaneous procedures (Le Fort I, sagittal osteotomies of the mandible, septoplasty, inferior turbinate reduction) during a 1-year period. Patient satisfaction was assessed through analysis of data gathered from a postsurgical patient satisfaction questionnaire. The questionnaire is used to assess overall postsurgical/orthodontic patient satisfaction and patient assessment of head and neck function. The questionnaire was independently completed by each subject at least 6 months after surgery and only after removal of all orthodontic appliances and planned dental rehabilitation. RESULTS: The results of our study clarify that bimaxillary orthognathic surgery including simultaneous intranasal (septoplasty and turbinate reduction) and other procedures (genioplasty, liposuction, and removal of third molars) can be carried out with a high level of patient satisfaction (89% of our study patients). Nevertheless, 2 of 42 patients (5%) in our study group were dissatisfied despite the absence of surgical or orthodontic complications and the clinicians' feelings that the results achieved were an improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The results of our study clarify that complex bimaxillary orthognathic surgery including simultaneous intranasal and other procedures can be carried out with a high level of patient satisfaction.

Published 21 April 2008 in J Oral Maxillofac Surg, 66(5): 934-42.
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