Various conservative approaches have been utilized to manage large periapical lesions. This article presents a relatively new, very conservative technique known as surgical fenestration which is both diagnostic and curative. The technique involves partially excising the cystic lining, gently curetting the cystic cavity, performing copious irrigation, and closing the surgical site. This technique allows for decompression and allows the clinician the freedom to take a biopsy of the lesion, as well as perform other procedures such as root resection and retrograde sealing, if required. As the procedure does not perform a complete excision of the cystic lining, it is both minimally invasive and cost-effective. The technique and the concepts involved are reviewed in 4 cases treated with this novel surgical approach.
Keywords: decompression; periapical cyst; radicular cyst; surgical fenestration.