[Complications and failures in orthognathic surgery].

This paper reviews the literature about the most relevant complications in daily orthognathic surgery. Although orthognathic surgery has proven to be relatively safe, patients who undergo such maxillofacial orthopaedic surgery must be aware of the side effects of this combined treatment. Immediate life-threatening complications are very rare. They can in most cases be avoided by good anaesthetic and surgical techniques and adequate postoperative care. The most frequently encountered perioperative problem in maxillary surgery is excessive blood loss, whilst subjective neurosensory disturbance is the most frequent complication in mandibular surgery. Good co-operation between orthodontist and surgeon is essential to prevent most immediate and late postoperative problems and nearly all unsatisfactory results.