Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 28, 2026
Clinical Application of Microscope-Assisted Minimally Invasive Anterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Published on: June 16, 2023
Enhancing precision or adding complexity? The impact of surgical microscope use in palatal cleft repair: A
Anıl Demiröz1, Can E Yalçın1, Servet Y Aydın2
1Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, Cerrahpasa Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University - Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkiye.
Abstract:
The use of an operating microscope in cleft palate repair offers improved visualization, enhanced illumination, and ergonomic advantages. However, its clinical adoption remains limited. This study compares surgical efficiency, intraoperative visualization, and complication rates between microscope and surgical loupe use. A prospective, quasi-randomized controlled study was conducted on 40 patients under the age of two years with isolated nonsyndromic secondary incomplete cleft palate. Patients were allocated to either surgical loupe magnification or operating microscope use in an alternating sequence, ensuring balanced distribution between groups. Operative time, intraoperative visualization scores from the surgical team, and postoperative complications were recorded. The mean operative time was significantly longer in the microscope group (76.75 ± 3.7 min) compared to the loupe group (60.91 ± 1.05 min), though this difference decreased over the study period. Visualization scores given by the anesthesiologist and scrub nurse were significantly higher in the microscope, while residents also rated the microscope group higher, though not statistically significant. Complication rates were similar among groups. The operating microscope Improves intraoperative visualization, enhances surgical ergonomics, and provides educational benefits. The initially increased operative time diminishes with experience, indicative of a learning curve. Despite minor limitations, its advantages may justify its routine use in cleft palate repair.
Insights
The operating microscope improves visualization and ergonomics in cleft palate repair, despite a longer initial operative time. Advantages suggest routine use may be beneficial for surgical outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Cleft Palate Repair
- Surgical Technology
- Pediatric Surgery
Background:
- Operating microscopes offer potential benefits in visualization and ergonomics for surgical procedures.
- Clinical adoption of operating microscopes in cleft palate repair is limited.
- Comparison between operating microscopes and surgical loupes in cleft palate repair is needed.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare surgical efficiency, intraoperative visualization, and complication rates between operating microscope and surgical loupe use in cleft palate repair.
- To evaluate the learning curve associated with operating microscope use in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, quasi-randomized controlled study involving 40 pediatric patients with isolated nonsyndromic secondary incomplete cleft palate.
- Patients were allocated to either surgical loupe or operating microscope magnification.
- Data collected included operative time, intraoperative visualization scores, and postoperative complications.
Main Results:
- Mean operative time was significantly longer with the operating microscope (76.75 min) versus surgical loupes (60.91 min), with the difference decreasing over time.
- Intraoperative visualization scores were significantly higher with the microscope, as rated by the anesthesiologist and scrub nurse.
- Postoperative complication rates were similar between the microscope and loupe groups.
Conclusions:
- The operating microscope enhances intraoperative visualization and surgical ergonomics in cleft palate repair.
- An initial increase in operative time with the microscope is attributed to a learning curve, diminishing with experience.
- The benefits of the operating microscope may justify its routine use in cleft palate repair despite initial challenges.
