Introduction:The most commonly impacted tooth in the oral cavity is the mandibular third molar. Various etiologic factors have been suggested for impacted mandibular third molars. The pattern and prevalence of impacted mandibular third molars vary with different population and region. This study throws light on the prevalence and pattern of impacted mandibular third molars in Eritrea, East Africa. This is the first reported study regarding the same from Eritrea. Aim:To assess the prevalence and pattern of impacted mandibular third molars in the population of Eritrea, East Africa by conducting a retrospective study from January 2009 to January 2014. Materials and methods:This study was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orotta School of Medicine and Dental Medicine and the Orotta Referral Medical and Surgical Hospital, Asmara, Eritrea. A total of 1,813 clinical and radiographic records [orthopantomograms] were assessed and 276 cases were selected for the study as per the inclusion criteria. They were evaluated for the frequency among the various age groups, gender and region along with the sides affected, angulation and level of impaction. The presence of systemic conditions and associated pathologies was also assessed according to the type of impaction.

Background Orocutaneous fistula (OCF) is one of the frequently encountered postoperative complications following surgery for oral cancer, leading to prolonged hospital stay and delay in the initiation of adjuvant therapy. Methods We included all patients with oral cancer operated between January 2016 to December 2017 and at risk to develop an OCF. We assessed the incidence of OCF, its management, and factors predisposing to its development. Results Of 587 eligible patients, 9% developed OCF. On univariate and multivariate analysis, patients undergoing bilateral neck dissection or with surgical site infection (SSI) (P < .001) were at maximum risk. On univariate analysis, the incidence was higher following resections for tongue‐floor of mouth sub site (P = .002), irrespective of the type of flap used for reconstruction. Majority (57%) required surgical intervention for management. Conclusion The presence of SSI and performing bilateral neck dissection posed the maximum risk for developing OCF in patients undergoing surgery for oral cancer.

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