UNILATERAL ROSTRAL MAXILLECTOMY

Unilateral rostral maxillectomy is a surgical procedure involving removal of half of the maxilla rostral to the second premolar tooth. This technique is indicated for benign oral tumors, such as acanthomatous ameloblastoma and either small or low-grade malignant tumors, which have not crossed the midline.

The most common complications following unilateral rostral maxillectomy include cosmetic appearance, wound dehiscence (7%-33% overall), and lip trauma and ulceration secondary to interference from the ipsilateral mandibular canine tooth. Cosmetically, the lip is drawn towards the midline and the extent of this medialization of the lip will depend on the extent of resection of the hard palate, the length of the lip, and the degree of undermining of the mucosal-submucosal labial flap. Functionally, dogs and cats do well following unilateral caudal maxillectomy with the vast majority of animals returning to voluntary eating within 1-3 days of surgery. In a 1997 survey of owner satisfaction, 85% of owners were satisfied with the functional and cosmetic outcomes following all types of maxillectomies, including unilateral rostral maxillectomy.