Evaluation of Smartphone Magnification vs. Microscope in Microvascular Anastomosis: An Experimental Study

Area of Science:

• Microsurgery
• Surgical Technology
• Head and Neck Oncology

Background:

• Surgical loupes and microscopes are standard for microvascular surgery but have limitations.
• Smartphones offer a cost-effective, high-quality imaging alternative.
• The efficacy of smartphones versus microscopes in microvascular anastomosis requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the time and error rates of end-to-end microvascular anastomosis using smartphones versus standard operative microscopes.
• To evaluate smartphone feasibility in head and neck oncology free fibula graft reconstructions.

Main Methods:

• Twenty-four patients undergoing free fibula graft reconstruction were divided into three groups (n=8 each): Smartphone 1, Smartphone 2, and Microscope.
• A single microvascular surgeon performed all procedures.
• Anastomosis time and error rate (Anastomosis Lapse Index) were recorded.

Main Results:

• Anastomosis time was significantly longer using Smartphone 1 (p = 0.002) and Smartphone 2 (p = 0.001) compared to the microscope.
• No statistically significant difference was found in the error rate between the smartphone groups and the microscope group.

Conclusions:

• Microvascular anastomosis is feasible using smartphones in head and neck oncology.
• An experienced surgeon can effectively perform these procedures with smartphone technology.
• While anastomosis time may increase, error rates are comparable to traditional microscopes.