Purpose Among the different surgical treatments for keratocystic odontogenic tumors (KOTs), there is no single method associated with a zero recurrence rate (RR). Thus, this study aimed to seek the best surgical treatment with the least RR using a weighted event rated meta-analysis. Materials and methods To address our study purpose, a systematic review and meta-analysis based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was performed. An extensive search of major databases through PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL was conducted to identify all relevant articles published without language restrictions from inception to August 2016. Relevant articles were selected based on the following inclusion criteria: prospective, retrospective, and case series studies that assessed various treatments in non-syndromic KOTs in which RRs were included. The predictor variable was treatment groups, namely: enucleation alone, enucleation with peripheral ostectomy, enucleation with Carnoy's solution application, enucleation with cryotherapy, marsupialization alone, decompression followed by residual cystectomy, and resection. The outcome variable was RR. A weighted RR using a random effect model (because of variation in follow-up time) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was performed. Data analysis was performed using a comprehensive meta-analysis software. Results A total of 2287 KOTs in 35 studies were included in this analysis. The weighted RR for various treatment techniques was as follows: enucleation alone (23.1%), enucleation with curettage (17.4%), enucleation and Carnoy's solution (11.5%), enucleation plus liquid nitrogen cryotherapy (14.5%), marsupialization alone (32.3%), decompression followed by residual cystectomy (14.6%), and resection (8.4%). The pooled weighted overall RR of KOTs for all different treatments was 16.6%. Conclusion Radical resection remains the certain option for obtaining the lowest recurrence with KOTs. However, low recurrence accompanies enucleation with application of Carnoy's solution or cryotherapy as the first-line treatment for primary KOTs. Marsupialization (where indicated) must be followed by secondary cystectomy to minimize recurrence. We believe that to achieve the least possible morbidity, resections should be reserved for multiple recurrent lesions and possibly syndromic cases.
