Evaluating computer-assisted mandibular reconstruction: Outsourced vs. in-house approaches.

Area of Science:

• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Surgical Oncology
• Medical Engineering

Background:

• Mandibular reconstruction is crucial after oral cancer surgery, impacting function and aesthetics.
• Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) enhances precision in complex head and neck reconstructions.
• Evaluating different CAS approaches is vital for optimizing oncological reconstruction outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the accuracy of mandibular reconstruction using conventional methods versus outsourced and in-house CAS systems.
• To assess the efficacy of an in-house CAS system developed at the University of Osaka.
• To determine the cost-effectiveness and accessibility of in-house CAS for oncological reconstruction.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 32 cases undergoing mandibular reconstruction, primarily for malignant tumors.
• Comparison of three reconstruction approaches: conventional (non-CAS), outsourced CAS (TruMatch), and in-house CAS.
• Utilized three-dimensional model overlay techniques to evaluate pre- and postoperative accuracy.

Main Results:

• Both outsourced and in-house CAS significantly improved reconstruction accuracy compared to the conventional approach.
• No statistically significant difference in accuracy was observed between the outsourced and in-house CAS groups.
• In-house CAS demonstrated comparable precision to commercial solutions.

Conclusions:

• In-house CAS systems provide a cost-effective and accessible alternative for precise mandibular reconstruction in oncology.
• The findings support the broader adoption of in-house CAS, especially in resource-limited or time-sensitive cancer surgeries.
• CAS technology, particularly in-house solutions, can significantly enhance outcomes in oncological head and neck reconstruction.