Clinical implementation of the 3D 4K exoscope (Orbeye™) in reconstructive head and neck surgery

To assess the clinical utility of the 3D 4K exoscope for reconstructive head and neck surgery.

This retrospective study analyzed surgical details and complications with the use of the 3D 4K exoscope for microvascular reconstruction at a high-volume Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, compared to the use of a 2D microscope. Patients with oral cancer undergoing microvascular reconstruction were categorized into two cohorts based on the intraoperative use of the 3D 4K exoscope (Orbeye™, Olympus, Tokyo, Japan) or a conventional microscope (ZEISS S8 - OPMI Vario, Carl Zeiss AG, Oberkochen, Germany; Leica M680, Leica Mikrosysteme Vertrieb GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) during a six-month study period, respectively. Outcomes were also compared between two time periods of the exoscope use to assess the learning curve over time.

The exoscope was applied for microvascular anastomosis in 55 surgical cases (cohort 1), and the conventional microscope was employed in 56 cases (cohort 2). The rates of postoperative complications within 14 days following the use of the exoscope were 14.5% (N = 8), compared to 16.1% (N = 9) in cohort 2. Analysis over time demonstrated a learning curve with the exoscope, reflected in a decrease in postoperative complications within 14 days from 22.7 to 9.1%.

The three-dimensional camera system provides excellent and reliable intraoperative visualization in reconstructive head and neck surgery. Transitioning to this new technology did not lead to an increase in intra- or postoperative complications, but the successful implementation requires some experience with the device.