Our Summary

This study looks at the impact of having surgical residents (doctors in training) assist in certain types of facial surgery. The researchers looked at past surgeries and found that when a resident was involved, the surgery took longer. This extra time can be seen as a cost, because it’s time the senior surgeon could be spending on other patients or tasks. The ‘cost’ was highest for head and neck reconstruction surgeries. The study also found a slightly higher rate of complications when residents were involved in these surgeries. The researchers suggest future studies should consider how to balance the cost and benefits of resident training, perhaps by adjusting the way surgeons are paid.

FAQs

  1. Does the involvement of surgical residents in facial surgery lead to longer operation times?
  2. Do surgeries with resident involvement result in a higher rate of complications?
  3. What future considerations did the study suggest regarding the cost and benefits of resident training in facial surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might give a patient about craniofacial surgery is to make sure to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. This can help ensure a successful outcome and minimize the risk of complications. Additionally, it’s important to have realistic expectations about the results of the surgery and to communicate openly with your healthcare team about any concerns or questions you may have.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for craniofacial surgery include those with congenital craniofacial abnormalities, such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and hemifacial microsomia. Patients who have experienced traumatic facial injuries, such as fractures or soft tissue damage, may also benefit from craniofacial surgery. Additionally, patients with facial deformities or asymmetry due to developmental issues or tumors may be recommended for craniofacial surgery.

Timeline

Before craniofacial surgery:

  • Patient consults with a plastic surgeon or craniofacial specialist to discuss treatment options and surgical goals
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments, such as imaging scans and blood tests
  • Patient receives instructions on pre-operative care, such as medication management and dietary restrictions
  • Patient may meet with a psychologist or counselor to discuss emotional and psychological preparation for surgery

During craniofacial surgery:

  • Patient is prepared for surgery and given anesthesia
  • Surgeon performs the necessary procedures to correct facial deformities or injuries
  • Surgery can take several hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case
  • Patient is monitored closely by medical staff during and after the procedure

After craniofacial surgery:

  • Patient is moved to a recovery room where they are closely monitored for any complications
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, and bruising in the days following surgery
  • Patient is given post-operative care instructions, including wound care and medication management
  • Patient may need to follow up with the surgeon for suture removal and post-operative assessments
  • Patient may undergo physical therapy or speech therapy to aid in recovery and rehabilitation
  • Patient may experience improvements in facial appearance and function over time as the surgical site heals and settles into its new form.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific experience do you have with craniofacial surgery?
  2. How many craniofacial surgeries have you performed?
  3. Are there any risks or complications associated with craniofacial surgery that I should be aware of?
  4. What is the expected outcome of the surgery?
  5. What is the recovery process like and how long will it take?
  6. Will I need any follow-up appointments or additional procedures after the surgery?
  7. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that I should consider?
  8. Will there be a team of specialists assisting with the surgery, and if so, what are their qualifications?
  9. How will my pain be managed during and after the surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any before-and-after photos of previous craniofacial surgery patients you have treated?

Reference

Authors: Khetpal S, Phillips S, Parsaei Y, Peck C, Lopez J, Prsic A. Journal: J Craniofac Surg. 2022 Jan-Feb 01;33(1):125-128. doi: 10.1097/SCS.0000000000008104. PMID: 34456286