This study was conducted to investigate a sequential prevention method for paresthesia of the mental nerve that is a complication of sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO). To investigate the effects by maintaining the blood flow to of the peripheral nerve, Prostaglandin E₁ (PGE₁) was administered intravenously during SSRO.
Trigeminal somatosensory evoked potential (TSEP) was monitored intraoperatively and postoperative paresthesia was examined to evaluate the disturbance in nerve function. Twenty-eight nerves of 14 patients who were administered PGE₁ (PGE₁ group) were compared statistically with 22 nerves of 12 patients who were not administered PGE₁ (no PGE₁ group). Disappearance of TSEP waves were observed in 11 of 28 nerves in the PGE₁ group, and 16 of 22 nerves in the no PGE₁ group. Postoperative paresthesia on the next day was recognized in 11 of 28 nerves in the PGE₁ group, and 17 of 22 nerves in the no PGE₁ group. Comparison showed a significant difference between the two groups (p<0.01). No patients endured paresthesia for a long time (over 6 months) in the PGE₁ group. The incidence of disturbance in nerve function was low and the period of paresthesia was short in the PGE₁ group.
It was suggested that PGE₁ can reduce paresthesia of the inferior alveolar nerve caused by SSRO.