Complications associated with orthognathic surgery

Abstract

While most patients undergo orthognathic surgery for aesthetic purposes, aesthetic improvements are most often followed by postoperative functional complications. Therefore, patients must carefully decide whether their purpose of undergoing orthognathic surgery lies on the aesthetic side or the functional side. There is a wide variety of complications associated with orthognathic surgery. There should be a clear distinction between malpractice and complications. Complications can be resolved without any serious problems if the cause is detected early and adequate treatment provided. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must have a full understanding of the types, causes, and treatment of complications, and should deliver this information to patients who develop these complications.

I. Introduction

Various postoperative complications of orthognathic surgery have been reported, which have led to serious problems in a number of cases. A majority of these complications can be managed through proper treatment and with a sufficient understanding of their causes. Jung et al.1 reported a rate of complication of 9.76% (67/686 sites) among 343 patients (686 sites) who had undergone orthognathic surgery for mandibular prognathism between January 1990 and December 2002. Individual rates of different types of complications were 4.08% (28/686) for infections, 2.49% (17/686) for fixation device fracture, 1.89% (13/686) for inferior alveolar nerve injury, 1.02% (7/686) for temporomandibular disorder (TMD), and 0.29% (2/686) for facial nerve problems. Kim et al.2 investigated the rate of complications among 418 patients who had undergone orthognathic surgery between January 1998 and February 2009. They observed intraoperative complications including inadequate osteotomy, bleeding due to vascular injuries, nerve exposure and damage, dental injuries, and soft tissue injuries among the patients, as well as postoperative complications including paresthesia due to nerve injuries, dyspnea, cervical pain, gastrointestinal diseases, infections, open bite, relapse, TMD, and malunion or nonunion of bone fractures. Ahn et al.3 reported that postoperative complications such as open bite, infections, TMD, and relapse can occur following orthognathic surgery. In an analysis of complication rates by the type of materials used in bone-fracture fixation, the rate of complications was 8.6% when titanium plates were used, and 18.3% when resorbable plates were used. The rate of complications was higher when resorbable plates were used, and this was especially true for open bite. Therefore, it was concluded that resorbable plates should be used only when indicated. Jędrzejewski et al.4 reviewed complications associated with orthognathic surgery, and reported that the rate of nerve injury was the highest at 50%, followed by TMD (14%), hemorrhage (9%), hearing problem (7%), infections (7%), and relapse (4%).

While most patients undergo orthognathic surgery for aesthetic purposes, aesthetic improvements are most often followed by postoperative functional complications. Therefore, patients must carefully decide whether their purpose of undergoing orthognathic surgery lies on the aesthetic side or the functional side. During an interview of patients with mandibular prognathism with low mandibular plane angles, it was observed that most of the patients chose to undergo orthognathic surgery for aesthetic purposes rather than functional improvement. Patients, who answered ‘no’ to a question that asked if the patients would undergo the same surgery again in the future, answered so because of postoperative paresthesia in the lower lip. The rate of complications after orthognathic surgery is more than 40%; therefore, it is important that patients receive a detailed explanation on the complications related to orthognathic surgery before they decide to undergo the procedure5.

II. Intraoperative Complications

1. Hemorrhage

Severe bleeding can occur if the inferior alveolar, superior alveolar, maxillary, retromandibular, facial, and sublingual vessels become damaged. Bleeding can be stopped by applying pressure, using bone wax or resorbable hemostatic materials, or by performing thrombin or epinephrine impregnated gauze packing or electrocautery. Vessel ligation or angiography must be performed for large vessel injuries to prevent secondary delayed hemorrhage. Arterial bleeding that occurs during Le Fort I osteotomy can be a sign of severe nasal hemorrhage that occurs two weeks after surgery. It must be, therefore, treated immediately by performing one of the following procedures: anterior and/or posterior nasal packing, packing of the maxillary antrum, reoperation with clipping or electrocoagulation of bleeding vessels, application of hemostatic agents in the pterygomaxillary region, external carotid artery ligation, and selective embolization of the maxillary artery. However, these hemostatic therapies can cause the aseptic necrosis6. The severity of intraoperative bleeding and the possibility of developing complications vary from patient to patient. For this reason, it is important to measure the relative blood loss during intraoperative bleeding by using a patient-specific measure. Extensive surgery and reduced body mass index are associated with increased intraoperative relative blood loss7.

Lee et al.8 reported severe swelling, ecchymosis, and irregular menstrual cycles among female patients who underwent orthognathic surgery. Physical stress following surgery was attributed to early menstruation and bleeding tendency in these patients. Basu9 claimed that fibrinolysis increases during menstruation, which reflects the increased risk of bleeding during this period. Lin et al.10 reported that hypotensive anesthesia using sevoflurane can effectively reduce bleeding and secure excellent vision during surgery.

2. Bad split/segment fractures

The rate of bad splits during sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO) has been reported to be approximately 2.3%. Proximal segment buccal plate fracture and distal segment lingual fracture frequently occur during SSRO. Different methods for treating these fractures must be studied. It has been reported that the risk of buccal cortical plate fracture is especially high when the forced separation of bone segments is performed after incomplete osteotomy of mandibular inferior border11,12,13.

Causes and risk factors of segment fracture include inadequate vertical osteotomy at the inferior border, horizontal osteotomy performed too high above the lingula, exertion of excess force when separating the proximal and distal segments, and impacted third molars. There is much controversy among scholars regarding whether impacted teeth should be extracted 6-9 months before SSRO or at the same time as SSRO.

1) Notion 1. Impacted teeth can be extracted during SSRO14,15,16

Precious et al.14 examined 1,256 patients who underwent SSRO, and had their third molars extracted, either during SSRO or six months before SSRO. Among 24 patients who had an unfavorable fracture (1.9%), five underwent extraction during SSRO and 19 underwent extraction six months before SSRO. Although no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups, the rate of mandibular fracture was higher among patients who underwent extraction six months before SSRO. Posnick et al.15 reported no ‘bad splits’ following extraction of impacted third molars performed during SSRO and claimed that the extraction of impacted teeth does not increase the rate of ‘bad’ splits and delay bone healing.

2) Notion 2. It is safer to extract impacted teeth 6-9 months before SSRO17,18,19

Reyneke et al.17 observed four cases of fracture among 70 patients who underwent a total of 139 SSRO procedures within six months. Since impacted teeth interfere with SSRO and increase the rate of fracture in the proximal or distal segments, they recommended that impacted teeth be extracted 6–9 months prior to orthognathic surgery. Extraction of impacted teeth during SSRO leads to thinning of the cortical bone due to the presence of empty sockets. This may render fixation using metal plates or screws difficult and increase the risk of fracture in the proximal or distal segments18,19.

III. Postoperative Complications

1. Relapse

Factors associated with relapse include muscle-related physiological effects that are influenced by the direction of bone rotation and the amount of bone movement, asymmetry between the left and right mandibles, changes in teeth position after surgery, change in condylar position, change in ramus inclination, change in mandibular plane, type of fixation, improperly produced final splint, and unresolved misalignment of the upper and lower jaws during orthodontic procedures performed before surgery18,20.

1) Gap between proximal and distal segment

Creation of gaps between bony segments after SSRO is inevitable. Forced fixation can lead to changes in condyle positions and relapse21. Bony interference between bony segments may be causally related to relapse, changes in the position of condyles or articular discs, and condylar resorption. Bending the distal segment posterior to the last molar, performing a bone graft in the area of the segment gap, and bending plate fixation have been introduced as a means to treat these conditions 22,23,24,25,26,27,28.

2) Condyle malposition

Uckan et al.29 reported cases of severe anterior open bite that occurred immediately after the release of the maxillomandibular fixation, and mentioned that it is caused by condyle malposition. In their study, screws placed in front of metal plates were removed from both sides of the jaw after exposing the surgical site, and posterior acrylic bite-blocks were attached. Orthodontic treatment was performed by using chin cups. Open bites were fixed 10 days after the orthodontic treatment.

3) Pterygomasseteric tension

Mandibular setback osteotomy can lead to changes in the physiological equilibrium of the pterygomasseteric sling, which may subsequently affect the functioning of the muscles of mastication. These changes in the muscles tend to rotate the proximal segment counterclockwise to set it back to its original position. Angle ostectomy can change the length of the pterygomasseteric sling, and reduction of the pterygomasseteric tension can lower the rate of relapse after surgery30.

Kim et al.31 argued that relapse can be prevented in patients with an open bite by using the modified Epker technique or by performing detachment of the pterygomasseteric sling, overcorrection, angle shaving, or genioplasty during SSRO.

4) Clockwise rotation of the proximal segment

Han et al.32 claimed that the safety of SSRO decreases with an increase in the counterclockwise rotation of the proximal segment, and that even when the mandibular setback distance is large, postoperative relapse can be prevented by minimizing the rotation of the proximal segment. Relapse tendency increases when the proximal segment that previously rotated clockwise starts to rotate counterclockwise after surgery33,34. Jakobsone et al.35 argued that superior repositioning of the posterior maxilla or repositioning of the proximal segment to its original position, which prevents clockwise rotation of the segment, can lower the rate of relapse. Superior repositioning of the posterior maxilla increases the safety of mandibular setback surgery. When the direction of the movement of the mandibular distal segment changes from the posterior to the posterosuperior direction, the difference of height between the inferior borders of the proximal and distal segments decreases, decreasing the clockwise rotation of the proximal segment. Han et al.36 reported that superior repositioning of the posterior maxilla and mandibular angle resection can minimize the occurrence of relapse following a mandibular setback surgery.

2. Neurologic injury

Neurologic injuries associated with orthognathic surgery mainly affect the inferior alveolar nerve, mental nerve, incisive nerve, and the infraorbital nerve. Occasional direct or indirect damage to facial nerves can occur. Le Fort I osteotomy induces changes in the maxillary teeth, buccal mucosa, palatal mucosa, and facial skin sensation. While skin sensation tends to recover over time even after direct damage to the sensory nerves, it may not completely recover to the condition that was present before surgery37. SSRO induces more neurological problems than intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO). Neurological problems have been observed until 24 weeks after SSRO at various sites, and recovery tended to be slower after SSRO than after IVRO38.

Verweij et al.39 reported that hypoesthesia following SSRO occurred in 4.8% of patients aged less than 19 years, in 7.9% of patients aged between 19-30 years, and in 15.2% in patients aged 31 years or older. Although the rate of permanent hypoesthesia that persisted until one year after SSRO was low, the mean recovery time from hypoesthesia was relatively long for older patients. In other words, old age is a risk factor for permanent hypoesthesia. The rate of inferior alveolar nerve injury varies from study to study due to the lack of standardized assessment and reporting methods. Therefore, a majority of assessments of inferior alveolar nerve injury performed to date has used subjective methods. An international consensus meeting must be organized with the purpose of establishing standardized methods of assessing the degree of nerve injuries40.

de Vries et al.41 reported nine cases of facial nerve paralysis among 1,747 patients who underwent SSRO. The rate of facial nerve paralysis reported by other scholars varies from 0.17% to 0.75%. Causes of facial nerve paralysis after orthognathic surgery include ischemic paralysis of the facial nerve caused by deep injection of vasoconstrictors, physical damage by a chisel or osteotome used for segment separation, fracture of the styloid process with posterior displacement, slipping of a drill or a bur to the perimandibular soft tissues during medial osteotomy, and facial nerve compression due to a posteriorly displaced segment, and surgical retractors or hematoma. Since the distance between the ascending ramus posterior border and facial nerve is less than 1 to 2 cm while the mouth is open, the facial nerve may become pressed or directly damaged42,43,44. Use of steroids during or after surgery can effectively prevent temporary injuries by reducing pressure created by edema. If functional recovery does not occur within 4-8 months, re-exploration with nerve grafting or reanimation surgery must be considered33,44.

3. Neuropathic pain

Ongoing pain was reported by 21.4% of the patients after orthognathic surgery, 7.1% of whom experienced neuropathic pain and 14.3% experienced musculoskeletal pain45. Politis et al.46 investigated the types of pain experienced by patients who underwent orthognathic surgery between 2001 and 2011. Among 982 cases of bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO), 536 cases of Le Fort I osteotomy, and 335 cases of surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion procedures, six cases of debilitating chronic neuropathic pain were observed. For the cases of BSSRO, direct damage to the inferior alveolar nerve and its bone environment that had become exposed may have been the cause of partial axonal injuries. Teerijoki-Oksa et al.47 claimed that pain that persists up to one month after surgery indicates axonal damage, and that the pain can continue for even a longer period if axonal damage does not heal completely. A third of the patients with axonal damage never show complete recovery. Neuropathic pain has been observed to persist even until one year after surgery; therefore, early diagnosis and adequate management of neuropathic pain are crucial48.

4. Change of nasal morphology

Nasal morphology is likely to change following repositioning of the maxilla during surgery. Nose widening and nose deviation are commonly observed following corrective procedures such as bony segment repositioning and suturing. Patients should be informed about the possible need for rhinoplasty after orthognathic surgery before they undergo the surgery49,50.

1) Nose widening

Nose widening is frequently observed after orthognathic surgery during which the nasal septum and alar cartilage are affected by superior impaction or advancement of the maxilla. Nose widening can be minimized by performing an alar cinch suture that tightly anchors the bilateral alar fibroareolar tissue in the medial direction. However, many studies have reported the lack of effectiveness of this suture technique and have claimed that it prevents the medial movement of the ala of the nose into which a nasotracheal intubation tube is inserted. A modified alar cinch suture technique, which is used to move bilateral alar fibroareolar tissues individually, has been introduced to overcome these shortcomings51. Scholars have claimed that although points are used during intraoral suturing of fibroareolar tissue, suturing performed outside of the oral cavity leads to more predictable and stable results because it covers a larger tissue surface area52,53.

2) Nasal deviation

Causes of nasal deviation include displacement of maxillary segments, pressure created by nasotracheal intubation, and dislocation of the quadrangular cartilage by an incompletely deflated cuff during extubation. During superior repositioning of the maxilla, septum reduction of at least 3 mm must be made to prevent nasal deviation. Corrective procedures such as nasal reduction using forceps, septoplasty, and fixation of the septum caudal portion to the anterior nasal septum through figure-of-8 suturing have been introduced for cases in which nasal deviation does occur54,55.

5. Temporomandibular disorder

There is much controversy regarding the correlation of craniofacial anomalies and malocclusion with TMDs. Some claim that mandibular setback surgery can treat TMDs while others claim the surgery aggravates them. Although numerous studies have investigated the correlation between mandibular setback surgery and TMD, large variations exist amongst the studies, and they have used different diagnostic systems and methods of classification. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a standardized diagnostic standard and classification method for TMD through systematic and well-designed research56. The following are the most mutually agreed upon opinions among scholars57,58,59,60,61,62,63,64,65,66,67,68,69,70,71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86,87,88,89,90,91,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,99,100,101,102,103.

1) All types of orthognathic surgery can directly or indirectly affect temporomandibular joint symptoms. The diagnosis of temporomandibular joint symptoms or disorders prior to surgery and incorporation of this information in treatment planning are necessary. Postoperative monitoring and management must also be conducted57,61,62,63,64,65,66,67.

2) Patients with temporomandibular joint symptoms are recommended to undergo procedures that stabilize the temporomandibular joints before undergoing orthognathic surgery (splint, pharmacotherapy, injection therapy, etc.)85,86.

3) Orthognathic surgery can improve or worsen the existing temporomandibular joint symptoms, or may not result in any changes at all89,99,100,101,102,103.

4) SSRO and IVRO for posterior displacement of the mandible can be applied to all patients with TMD. The following principles should be followed when performing SSRO87,88,89,90,91,92.

(1) All bony interferences that exist between proximal and distal segments should be removed.

(2) Condylar heads should passively settle into the glenoid fossa during surgery.

(3) For fixation of bony segments, non-rigid fixation using monocortical plates and screws is recommended. Use of compression plates or lag screws should be avoided22,56,58,87,88,89,90,91,92.

5) By avoiding long-term intermaxillary fixation, postoperative mandibular hypomobility can be minimized102,103.

6) Counterclockwise maxillomandibular rotation and a large amount of mandibular advancement can increase the load and stress on the temporomandibular joints. Therefore, the procedure must be performed with care for patients with TMD. Counterclockwise maxillomandibular rotation and a large amount of mandibular advancement can worsen the existing temporomandibular joint symptoms. When the load on the temporomandibular joints exceeds adaptability, condylar resorption results60,68,69,70,71,72,73,74,75,76,77,78,79,80,81,82,83,84,85,86.

7) Generally, the rate of TMD tends to be higher among patients who have mandibular retrusion with steep occlusal planes67,68,69,70,71,72,73,74,75,76.

8) Unlike mandible setback, which improves masticatory functions (for instance, by increasing the bite force), mandibular advancement does not improve masticatory functions.

9) Procedures in which the maxilla and mandible are rotated clockwise or counterclockwise to change the occlusal plane are safe as long as the temporomandibular joint can withstand the occlusal load and stress after surgery. It is generally known that the counterclockwise rotation induces occlusal overload on the temporomandibular joint to a greater degree than the clockwise rotation.

10) In double jaw surgeries, the maxilla is moved relative to the mandible. However, for patients with temporomandibular joint disorders, for whom making precise treatment plans prior to surgery as well as securing a stable condyle location can be difficult, it may be more advantageous to start operating on the mandible first.

6. Necrosis of bony segment

Kim et al.104 reported rare cases of necrosis of the proximal segments in patients who underwent transoral vertical ramus osteotomy. Although the causes of the necrosis were not clear, it was presumed that it was caused by local ischemia that developed as a result of excessive ablation of soft tissues and hematoma formation. Necrosis of bony segments was successfully treated through intravenous injection of third generation cephalosporin and metronidazole, followed by a resection of 15 mm of necrotic tissue inferior to the proximal segment through an intraoral approach.

7. Delayed union or nonunion of osteotomy site

Delayed union or nonunion of an osteotomy site may occur as a result of poor healing of hard and soft tissues. The risk of nonunion is high when inadequate fixation is performed after non-rigid fixation using materials such as wires, and when the anterior displacement of a bony segment is large, or when maxillary advancement of over 6 mm is performed. Postoperative occlusal prematurities and improperly constructed splints can interfere with the stabilization and healing of bony segments. Delayed union and nonunion can also occur in patients with systemic diseases who also have compromised wound healing105.

8. Infection

Postoperative infections include cellulitis, abscess, maxillary sinusitis, and osteomyelitis. Rates of postoperative infections are low thanks to aseptic techniques, surgeons' excellent skills, antibiotics, and a good blood supply into the oral and maxillofacial area. Even when infections do occur, they can be fully cured through early diagnosis and management. Davis et al.106 reported that the rate of infections was 8% among 2,521 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery, and that infections occurred mostly in the mandible. Posnick et al.107 reported that the rate of infections was merely 1% when antibiotics such as cefazolin or cephalexin were administered.

9. Respiratory insufficiency

Complications related to the respiratory system include airway obstruction, atelectasis, pneumonia, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax. Causes of respiratory insufficiency that occur after orthognathic surgery are stimulation by a tube used in anesthesia, elevation or damage of the nasal mucous membrane, reduced nasal cavity, intermaxillary fixation, aspiration of blood, long operation time, and influx of air through the fascial plane of the neck108,109. Dyspnea caused by bleeding or accumulated secretions can be prevented by avoiding excessive ventilation during general anesthesia and minimizing intraoperative trauma. Aspiration pneumonia can occur when food, saliva, or nasal secretions enter the bronchial tree. The rate of aspiration pneumonia after orthognathic surgery is approximately 0.01% to 0.03%110.

Choi et al.111 claimed that one must be aware of the fact that the airway space can be significantly reduced because of posterior movement of the mandible during SSRO. Potential postoperative problems can be prevented by predicting the risk of respiratory failure and determining the appropriate amount of setback. For class III patients with high preoperative Mallampati scores, only a small amount of mandibular setback is advised111,112,113.

10. Trigeminocardiac reflex

Cardiac complications such as asystole, bradycardia, and cardiac dysrhythmias can occur during ophthalmic or maxillofacial surgeries and can be lethal in rare cases. The rate of these complications during maxillofacial surgery has been reported to be 1.6%. Stimulation of the maxillary branch of trigeminal nerve, greater palatine nerve, or posterior superior alveolar nerve leads to vagus nerve stimulation, which activates the parasympathetic nerve system, and consequently leads to dysrhythmia. The risk of reflex bradycardia during maxillofacial surgery that involves stimulation of the trigeminal nerve should be considered. In most cases, heart rate and blood pressure return to normal while arrhythmia disappears upon temporary cessation of surgery. When bradycardia accompanied by refractory bradycardia, asystole, and hypotension persists, anticholinergic drugs (atropine 0.2-1.0 mg, glycopyrrolate 0.1-0.4 mg) are injected114,115,116,117.

11. Pseudoaneurysm

Pseudoaneurysm (arteriovenous fistula) is defined as an abnormal focal dilation of an arterial wall. It is a type of false aneurysm that causes blood vessels to be composed of fibrous tissue. Pseudoaneurysm rarely develops after orthognathic surgery, and can cause symptoms such as facial swelling, delayed bleeding, and development of a pulsatile soft mass. Large blood vessels such as the maxillary artery in the region of the sigmoid notch, the facial artery in the posterior region of the mandibular body, and the inferior alveolar artery are at high risk of pseudoaneurysms. If bleeding cannot be successfully controlled through surgical exploration and vessel ligation, interventional radiographic treatment such as embolization must be performed118,119,120.

12. Vomero-sphenoidal disarticulation

Vomero-sphenoidal disarticulation can result from improper use of septal osteotome or use of septal osteotome in the wrong direction during maxilla osteotomy. An osteotome should be used precisely along the nasal floor. Bone resistance can be felt when an osteotome is in contact with the vomer. If vomer mobility is observed following downward fracture of the maxilla, the maxilla is left in its current position. Excessive resection of the maxilla can increase the risk of laceration of the mucous membrane and bleeding. However, the maxilla does not have to be repositioned to its original location if the vomer has been completely separated. Severe loss of function does not occur even after the vomer is removed121.

13. Lack of tearing

Le Fort I osteotomy with iliac bone graft was performed on a 24-year-old female patient with maxillary retrusion. Two days after the surgery, it was observed that liquids ingested through straws leaked out from the nose. Three days after the surgery, lack of tearing in the left eye was observed, but no visual or motor dysfunction was observed. Based on ophthalmic examination, the patient was diagnosed with damage to the parasympathetic fibers to the lacrimal gland. The patient was also told that tearing will recover over a few months, and was recommended to use artificial tears in the meantime. A possible cause of the damage was fracture of the pterygoid plate on the affected side, which subsequently damaged nonmyelinated fibers to the lacrimal gland122,123.

14. Tooth injury

Although maxillomandibular fixation screws are safe and useful, one must be careful not to damage the dental roots during implantation. The rate of contact between screws and dental roots during orthognathic surgery was 12%. However, pulp necrosis or pain was not observed during postoperative monitoring124. During an orthognathic procedure in which an approach is made near the root apex, or direct resection is made, pulp necrosis and discoloration, and pulp diseases can develop. Lee et al.125 investigated cases of pulp diseases among 1,455 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery. Among 1,339 patients who underwent bimaxillary surgery, 49 required endodontic treatment for tooth discoloration and root canals. Tooth discoloration was not observed among 116 patients who underwent single-jaw surgery. The main risk factors for tooth discoloration are descending palatine artery ligation, genioplasty, and mandibular subapical osteotomy. It is especially important to protect the descending palatine artery during Le Fort I osteotomy.

15. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo

This is one of the most commonly observed types of vertigo. It causes brief dizziness that lasts less than one minute and repeats upon positional changes. Although its pathogenesis and physiological mechanisms have not been identified, it is generally accepted that formation of degenerated tissue particles in the lymph fluid inside the semicircular canals of the internal ear induces severe dizziness upon positional changes. Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo commonly occurs as a complication of head injury, vestibular neuritis, Meniere's disease, and otolaryngologic surgery. It has been suggested that benign paroxysmal positional vertigo is induced by vibrational energy that arises during dentoalveolar surgery with a rotating bur for removal of impacted teeth and cysts, orthognathic surgery, and sinus floor elevation with an osteotome126,127.

16. Venous thromboembolism

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a common complication that occurs at a rate of 90 million cases per year in the United States. In Van de Perre's research, VTE developed in three (0.15%) (two with venous thrombosis and one with pulmonary embolism) out of 2,049 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery. VTE develops as a result of vascular wall injuries due to long-term hospitalization, immobility, local hypoxia that induces blood clots, anesthetics, surgery, and trauma128,129.

17. Otitis media

A 20-year-old female patient exhibited the symptom of unilateral fullness in the left ear after undergoing orthognathic surgery in a department of plastic surgery 8 months ago. After undergoing a thorough medical examination, the patient was diagnosed with otitis media with effusion caused by the presence of a foreign body in the opening of the left eustachian tube. It was confirmed during transnasal endoscopic removal that a part of surgical gauze used during the surgery had moved to the Eustachian tube130.

18. Psychological changes and patient satisfaction

Patients with dentofacial deformities have an inferiority complex due to their appearance alongside functional problems such as masticatory dysfunction. Therefore, functional and aesthetic improvements must be incorporated simultaneously to ensure patient satisfaction and psychological stability. Lee and Lee131 studied the level of satisfaction and psychological changes among 34 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery. The reason for undergoing surgery was aesthetic purposes in 62% of the patients, functional improvement in 18%, and both in 18%. Patient satisfaction increased from 81% within six months after the surgery to 92% after more than six months had passed after the surgery. The main reasons for dissatisfaction with the surgery were temporary sensory impairment and insufficient facial improvement. Difficulty in speaking and eating due to intermaxillary fixation was ranked the most painful experience after surgery, followed by respiratory failure, swelling, and pain. Seol et al.132 observed positive changes in the physical self-concept after orthognathic surgery among patients who had skeletal class III occlusion. While patients showed high satisfaction with facial improvement after orthognathic surgery, they also showed increasing dissatisfaction with functional impairments such as masticatory and pronunciation problems and sensory impairment. By explaining to patients about various types of discomfort that they may experience after orthognathic surgery, surgeons can reduce patient anxiety and concerns regarding the surgery, and increase subjective patient satisfaction with surgery outcomes133.

A pattern of improvement in the quality of life in psychological and social aspects was observed following orthognathic surgery. Since orthognathic surgery negatively contributes to the quality of life among patients with depression, patients should be examined for depression through systematic screening before undergoing surgery, and receive treatment for depression if necessary134,135,136,137.

19. Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are postoperative complications that frequently occur after general anesthesia. Intermaxillary fixation is necessary after orthognathic surgery or facial bone fracture surgery. Severe hemorrhage and edematous swelling are common after these surgeries, and nausea and vomiting can have lethal effects on patients. Phillips et al.138 investigated 204 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery in the period from 2008 to 2012. In their study, the rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting was 67% and 27%, respectively. Risk factors for postoperative nausea were female, increased IV fluids, long operation time, and use of nitrous oxide. Risk factors for postoperative vomiting were race (the risk of vomiting among non-Caucasians was 2.49 times that among Caucasians), additional procedures, and use of morphine. Although updated consensus guidelines were introduced in 2007 to lower rates of vomiting and nausea, the rates have not decreased compared with the rates in the period from 2003 to 2004138. Lin et al.10 claimed that postoperative nausea and vomiting can be significantly reduced by limiting the use of narcotics after surgery for pain control. Postoperative pain can be effectively controlled with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or COX-2 inhibitors.

20. Snoring or obstructive sleep apnea

Snoring or obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may develop following orthognathic surgery as the hyoid bone position changes and the airway becomes narrower, and some cases have been reported139,140. Posterior movement of the mandible by a large distance can lead to development of OSA at an older age, and requires consistent postoperative monitoring. Furthermore, when the mandibular setback distance is large, double jaw surgery, in which anterior maxillary advancement is performed, can be considered140,141. However, numerous studies have reported that orthognathic surgery does not affect the airway significantly and that it does not induce snoring or OSA142,143. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must have full understanding of the possibility of postoperative development of snoring or OSA, and their methods of treatment (conservative and/or surgical treatment).

21. Hearing problem

Maxillary osteotomy may induce muscle traction and edema, which can lead to paratubular muscle and auditory dysfunction. Yaghmaei et al.144 reported that auditory system dysfunction which occurs during maxillary or bimaxillary osteotomies are mostly mild and temporary, and does not require special treatment. Bayram et al.145 also claimed that while Le Fort I osteotomy induces changes in hearing sensitivity and middle ear pressure, these changes are not drastic and do not pose any clinical problems.

22. Death

Main causes of death during or after orthognathic surgery are accidents related to severe intraoperative hemorrhage, delayed secondary hemorrhage, airway obstruction, and general anesthesia. Fourteen cases of serious complications such as death and falling into a vegetative state after jaw bone surgery such as the orthognathic surgery (10 cases) and facial contouring surgery (4 cases) were reported in the period from 2000 to 2016. Causes of these complications were bleeding in two cases, respiratory problems in four cases, surgical errors in one case, and unknown in six cases. The procedures were performed by plastic surgeons in 12 cases, by dentists in one case, and in a university hospital in one case (Exact department is unknown). An underreporting of cases of death after orthognathic surgery is suggestive since only four cases of death have been reported in the last 16 years despite the fact that around 5,000 cases of orthognathic surgery are performed in Korea every year. Serious complications such as death rarely occurs when orthognathic surgery is performed by experienced surgeons with all the necessary equipment, and orthognathic surgery can be considered a safe procedure as long as these conditions are met2,146,147.

IV. Conclusion

There is a wide variety of complications associated with orthognathic surgery, including unusual complications that are hard to predict. There should be a clear distinction between malpractice and complications. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons must have a full understanding of the types, causes, and treatment of complications, and should deliver this information to patients who develop these complications. Malpractice should never occur, and is best prevented by careful and meticulous performance by surgeons. We believe that oral and maxillofacial surgeons who can confidently and perfectly manage postoperative complications are truly competent.