Virtual Surgical Planning in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Evan A Jones; Andrew T Huang

doi:10.1016/j.otc.2023.04.013

Virtual Surgical Planning in Head and Neck Reconstruction

Otolaryngol Clin North Am. 2023 Aug;56(4):813-822. doi: 10.1016/j.otc.2023.04.013. Epub 2023 May 21.

Authors

Evan A Jones¹, Andrew T Huang²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Boulevard, Suite E5.200, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
² Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, 1977 Butler Boulevard, Suite E5.200, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Electronic address: andrew.huang@bcm.edu.

PMID: 37221116
DOI: 10.1016/j.otc.2023.04.013

Abstract

Virtual surgical planning is a revolutionary tool for the head and neck reconstructive surgeon. As with any tool, there are strengths and weaknesses. The strengths include shorter operative time, shorter ischemic time, streamlined dental rehabilitation, facilitation of complex reconstruction, non-inferior and possibly superior accuracy, and increased durability. The weaknesses are increased up-front costs, potential delays to operative management, limited flexibility on the day of surgery, and loss of familiarity with conventionally planned surgery.

Keywords: Computer-assisted design; Head and neck reconstruction; Microvascular free tissue transfer; Virtual surgical planning.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Free Tissue Flaps*
Head
Head and Neck Neoplasms* / surgery
Humans
Mandibular Reconstruction*
Neck / surgery
Plastic Surgery Procedures*
Surgery, Computer-Assisted*