In-house virtual surgical planning for mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flap: Case series and literature review

The fibula free flap (FFF) surgery has long been used for complicated mandibular reconstruction. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) has been incorporated into the reconstruction planning by surgeons and has been found to reduce operating time and surgeon stress intraoperatively. When compared to tradit...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Steve Maisi, Mauro Dominguez, Peta Charmaine Gilong, Chung Tze Kiong, Syarfa Hajam, Ahmad Fadhli Ahmad Badruddin, Han Fong Siew, Saravanan Gopalan, Kok Tuck Choon
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Elsevier 2023-05-01
Series:Annals of 3D Printed Medicine
Subjects:
Online Access:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666964123000103
Description
Summary:The fibula free flap (FFF) surgery has long been used for complicated mandibular reconstruction. Virtual surgical planning (VSP) has been incorporated into the reconstruction planning by surgeons and has been found to reduce operating time and surgeon stress intraoperatively. When compared to traditional reconstruction, VSP enhances accuracy, surgical efficiency, and clinical outcomes. However, VSP on the other hand, need advanced technology such as software and 3D printing equipment, which are not always accessible in all centres. We describe our workflow on VSP reconstruction of the mandible with FFF by using open-source software. Methods: Three patients underwent mandible reconstruction with FFF. VSP was used for all reconstruction planning. Results: The mean operative time was min 765 minutes (range: 615 – 960 minutes), the mean ischemic time was 260 minutes (range: 120 – 355 minutes) and the mean length of stay was 10.7 days (range: 10 – 12 days). There were no flap failures. There were no major complications. Conclusion: VSP is a very viable method that saves time and cost, making surgery more efficient.
ISSN:2666-9641