Virtual surgical planning and cone beam computed tomography in reconstruction of head and neck tumors - pilot study

<b>Introduction:</b> The aim of the study was to prove that a combination of visual surgical planning (VSP) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an optimal technique in fibular free flap reconstructions after complex tumor resections in the head and neck region and that it leads to better functional and aesthetic outcomes. <br><b>Material and method:</b> Six patients (3 females, 3 males) with head and neck tumors were included in the study. The region concerned midface in 2 cases and mandible in 4 patients. On the basis of computed tomography of the head, fibular free flap (FFF) reconstruction was planned with the VSP technique. The 3D-printed models were prepared. At the beginning of the operation and a few minutes after the reconstruction, an xCAT CBCT by XORAN was performed. Minor corrections of the angles of the reconstructed bony parts were made where needed. The time of the operation was assessed for each case. Functional and cosmetic results were evaluated in a 1-year follow-up. <br><b>Results:</b> The mean time of operation was 6 hours and 48 minutes, which was approximately 1hour and 40 minutes less than standard reconstructive surgery. Functional recovery was achieved in all patients. Aesthetic result was unsatisfactory for 2 patients due to insufficient soft tissue masses of FFF. <br><b>Conclusions:</b> The authors claim that intraoperative CBCT imaging, regardless of the cost, improves the accuracy of aesthetic outcome of reconstructive surgeries based on VSP, especially in the region of the midface and the mandible. Further studies on a higher number of subjects are required.