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Porcine As a Training Module for Head and Neck Microvascular Reconstruction
Published on: September 29, 2018
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Co-surgery in head and neck microvascular reconstruction
Sophia Dang1, Katerina Green1, Matthew Bottegal2
1Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
American Journal of Otolaryngology
|September 28, 2023
Summary
Co-surgery involving two surgeons in head and neck microvascular reconstruction is safe and feasible. This approach led to fewer donor site complications and increased financial reimbursement for the surgical team.
Area of Science:
- Reconstructive Surgery
- Microsurgery
- Head and Neck Oncology
Background:
- Co-surgery with two surgeons is increasingly used in breast reconstruction.
- Its impact on head and neck microvascular reconstruction outcomes remains unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of co-surgery in head and neck microvascular reconstruction.
- To compare outcomes between single-surgeon and co-surgery approaches.
Main Methods:
- A prospectively maintained database was used to compare outcomes.
- 384 patients undergoing head and neck free flap reconstruction between 2020-2022 were analyzed.
- Outcomes were compared between single-surgeon (77.8%) and co-surgery (22.1%) cohorts.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in flap survival, procedure time, ischemia time, hospital stay, or recipient site complications.
- Co-surgery was associated with a significant reduction in donor site complications (0% vs 4.7%, p=0.021).
- Co-surgery increased surgeon fee collection by 28% and RVU production by 35%.
Conclusions:
- Co-surgery is a safe and feasible method for head and neck microvascular reconstruction.
- Potential benefits include reduced complications, increased financial reimbursement, and enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration.
