Our Summary

This study is about how microvascular reconstruction surgeries in the field of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) are performed in Europe. The researchers created an online survey that asked a variety of questions, including how these surgeries were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey was sent to OMFS departments that are part of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery.

75 people from 23 different European countries took part in the survey. Most of these participants perform between 1 and 70 of these surgeries every year. However, around 38% of them said that they did fewer surgeries because of the pandemic. The most common types of these surgeries were the radial forearm and fibula free flap surgeries.

In most cases, these surgeries are performed by OMFS specialists for OMFS patients, but around 43% of the participants said that they sometimes work with plastic surgeons for these procedures. There’s also some variation in the techniques and tools used in these surgeries, including the use of different types of anastomoses, anticoagulants, and monitoring methods.

The study found that there’s a lot of variability in how these surgeries are performed across Europe. The researchers suggest that more studies are needed to understand these differences in more detail.

FAQs

  1. What was the main focus of the study on microvascular reconstruction surgeries in Europe?
  2. How has the COVID-19 pandemic affected the frequency of microvascular reconstruction surgeries according to the survey?
  3. What variation was found in the techniques and tools used in microvascular reconstruction surgeries across Europe?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about oral surgery is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include avoiding eating or drinking before the procedure, taking any prescribed medications as directed, and arranging for transportation to and from the surgery. Following these instructions can help ensure a successful outcome and reduce the risk of complications during and after the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who may be recommended for oral surgery include those with:

  1. Impacted teeth: Wisdom teeth that do not have enough room to erupt properly may need to be removed through oral surgery.

  2. Jaw misalignment: Oral surgery may be recommended for patients with severe jaw misalignment that cannot be corrected with orthodontic treatment alone.

  3. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders: Patients with severe TMJ disorders may benefit from oral surgery to correct the issue.

  4. Facial trauma: Patients who have suffered facial trauma, such as a broken jaw, may require oral surgery to repair the damage.

  5. Oral cancer: Patients with oral cancer may require oral surgery as part of their treatment plan, such as tumor removal or reconstructive surgery.

  6. Cleft lip and palate: Patients born with cleft lip and palate may require multiple oral surgeries throughout their lifetime to correct the issue.

  7. Sleep apnea: Oral surgery may be recommended for patients with obstructive sleep apnea who have not responded to other treatments.

Overall, oral surgery may be recommended for a variety of patients with conditions affecting the mouth, jaw, and face that cannot be treated through other means. It is important for patients to consult with an oral surgeon to determine the best treatment plan for their specific needs.

Timeline

Before oral surgery:

  • Patient consults with oral and maxillofacial surgeon to discuss treatment options
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative examinations and tests to ensure they are a suitable candidate for surgery
  • Patient may be required to stop taking certain medications or adjust their diet in preparation for surgery
  • Patient is given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting before the procedure

After oral surgery:

  • Patient is monitored closely in the recovery room immediately following the surgery
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and discomfort in the days following the surgery
  • Patient is given instructions on how to care for the surgical site, including proper oral hygiene practices
  • Patient may be prescribed pain medication or antibiotics to manage pain and prevent infection
  • Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and address any concerns or complications

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about oral surgery include:

  1. What specific type of oral surgery do I need and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with this surgery?
  3. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery?
  4. What is the expected outcome of the surgery and the recovery process?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options available?
  6. How will the surgery be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, if at all?
  7. Will I need to be referred to a different specialist, such as a plastic surgeon, for this surgery?
  8. What techniques and tools will be used during the surgery?
  9. How will my progress be monitored post-surgery?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I need to follow before and after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Becker P, Zeller AN, Goetze E, Puladi B, Hölzle F, Hoffmann J, Raguse JD, Wermker K, Pabst A. Journal: Oral Maxillofac Surg. 2025 Jan 23;29(1):42. doi: 10.1007/s10006-025-01344-4. PMID: 39847127