A retrospective analysis of the complication rate after SARPE in 111 cases, and its relationship to patient age at surgery

Summary Purpose Surgically assisted rapid palatal expansion (SARPE) is a well-known surgical intervention for treating maxillary transverse deficiencies (MTDs). This investigation aimed to evaluate the complication rate after SARPE, and its relationship to patient age. Materials and methods Based on multivariate analyses, the complication rate after SARPE and its association with increasing age in 111 patients with MTD was evaluated. In every case the following variables were evaluated: age, gender, concomitant surgery, expander appliance, perioperative and dental complications, pain score, neurosensory disturbances (NSDs), postoperative excessive hemorrhage, length of hospital stay, infection, oronasal communication, palatal ulceration, asymmetrical maxillary expansion, mal- or non-union of the bone, lacrimation, and mechanical failure. Results Overall, 58 (52.25%) patients had minor-to-severe complications. The most common complications were NSDs (27.03%) and postoperative pain (13.51%). Multivariate analysis showed that the frequency of dental complications (mean age 35.9; SD = 10.5140; p = 0.0021*), NSDs in general (mean age 30; SD = 9.9827; p = 0.0157*), NSDs lasting more than 4 weeks (mean age 30,9583; SD=10.6260; p=0.0105*), and NSDs lasting more than 1 year (mean age 36.2; SD=8.7579; p=0.0201*) increased significantly with patient age. Conclusion Detailed data analysis revealed a limited number of severe, long-term complications after SARPE. However, careful patient selection is recommended in elderly cases.