A systematic review of the recurrence rate for keratocystic odontogenic tumour in relation to treatment modalities

This systematic review was undertaken to determine the overall and detailed recurrence rate of keratocystic odontogenic tumour in relation to specific treatment methods. Online electronic databases were searched to identify articles published in English language from 1956 to 2010. Articles were independently appraised by two reviewers in three separate rounds. Any disagreement was settled by discussion with a third judge. Of 1568 potentially relevant articles, 168 articles related to the treatment of keratocystic odontogenic tumour/parakeratinised type of odontogenic keratocyst and its recurrence rate entered the second round for evaluation. Fourteen papers entered the third round for critical appraisal. Two retrospective reviews entered the final analysis. One hundred eight lesions were found in the material analysed. Six treatment modalities were identified. The recurrence rates were 0% for resection, 0% for enucleation with peripheral ostectomy and Carnoy's solution, 18.18% for enucleation with peripheral ostectomy, 26.09% for enucleation alone, 40% for marsupialisation, and 50% for enucleation with Carnoy's solution. The overall recurrence rate was 23.15%. The present review discusses the methodological weaknesses of many of the studies analysed. No high quality evidence was obtained to evaluate recurrence rates related to treatment modalities of keratocystic odontogenic tumour.