Our Summary

This research paper discusses the use of surgical navigation (SN) in improving the outcome of surgeries that involve the nose, sinus, and facial bones, especially in cancer treatments. The study involves mapping biopsy samples using SN in 10 surgical procedures. The research also analyzed the ability of 25 experts to identify 15 anatomical structures in preoperative imaging using SN as a reference. The result showed an average error of 9.0 mm, with radiation oncologists making more errors than surgeons. The study emphasizes that the current method of evaluating the extent of disease and margins has an error of almost 1 cm, which could affect the precision of the treatment and its outcome. Therefore, the use of SN could improve precision and information sharing in these surgeries. The study suggests further research to incorporate this method into a multidisciplinary workflow.

FAQs

  1. What is the role of surgical navigation (SN) in surgeries involving the nose, sinus, and facial bones?
  2. How does the use of surgical navigation impact the precision of treatment and its outcome?
  3. What further research is suggested to improve the use of surgical navigation in surgical procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient undergoing craniofacial surgery to follow all pre-operative instructions carefully, including any dietary restrictions or medication changes. It is also important to communicate openly with the surgical team about any concerns or questions before the procedure. After surgery, the patient should follow all post-operative care instructions closely to ensure proper healing and optimal results. It is important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any changes or concerns to the medical team promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who typically undergo craniofacial surgery include those with congenital craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, and hemifacial microsomia. Additionally, patients with facial trauma resulting from accidents or injuries may also require craniofacial surgery. Patients with craniofacial tumors, such as those affecting the jaw, cheekbones, or nasal passages, may also benefit from craniofacial surgery for removal of the tumor and reconstruction of the affected area. Overall, craniofacial surgery is recommended for patients who require correction or reconstruction of the facial bones, soft tissues, and/or skull structure for functional or aesthetic reasons.

Timeline

Before craniofacial surgery:

  1. Initial consultation: The patient meets with a craniofacial surgeon to discuss their medical history, concerns, and goals for surgery.

  2. Preoperative assessments: The patient undergoes various medical tests, imaging studies, and consultations with other healthcare professionals to assess their overall health and suitability for surgery.

  3. Surgical planning: The craniofacial surgeon and the patient discuss the surgical plan, potential risks, and expected outcomes. The surgeon may also use advanced imaging techniques to plan the procedure.

  4. Preoperative instructions: The patient receives instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications.

  5. Surgery: The patient undergoes craniofacial surgery, which can involve various procedures such as bone reshaping, tissue reconstruction, and facial realignment.

After craniofacial surgery:

  1. Postoperative care: The patient is closely monitored in the recovery room and may stay in the hospital for a few days for observation and pain management.

  2. Follow-up appointments: The patient attends follow-up appointments with the craniofacial surgeon to monitor their healing progress, remove stitches, and address any concerns.

  3. Rehabilitation: Depending on the extent of the surgery, the patient may require physical therapy, speech therapy, or other forms of rehabilitation to regain function and mobility.

  4. Long-term recovery: The patient continues to follow up with the craniofacial surgeon and other healthcare professionals to ensure proper healing and address any long-term effects of the surgery.

  5. Psychological support: The patient may receive counseling or support from mental health professionals to cope with any emotional or psychological challenges resulting from the surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific craniofacial issues do I have that require surgery?

  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with craniofacial surgery?

  3. What is the expected outcome of the surgery and what are the chances of success?

  4. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect during the healing process?

  5. Will I need any additional treatments or procedures after the surgery?

  6. How experienced are you in performing craniofacial surgeries and what is your success rate?

  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to craniofacial surgery that I should consider?

  8. How will my appearance and function be affected by the surgery?

  9. Will I need to undergo any imaging tests or consultations before the surgery?

  10. How will my insurance coverage be affected by craniofacial surgery and what are the estimated costs involved?

Reference

Authors: Gaudioso P, Contro G, Taboni S, Costantino P, Visconti F, Sozzi M, Borsetto D, Sharma R, De Almeida J, Verillaud B, Vinciguerra A, Carsuzaa F, Thariat J, Vural A, Schreiber A, Mattavelli D, Rampinelli V, Battaglia P, Turri-Zanoni M, Karligkiotis A, Pistochini A, Arosio AD, Lambertoni A, Nair D, Dallan I, Bonomo P, Molteni M, El Khouzai B, Busato F, Zanoletti E, Krengli M, Orlandi E, Nicolai P, Ferrari M. Journal: Oral Oncol. 2024 Oct;157:106979. doi: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2024.106979. Epub 2024 Aug 8. PMID: 39121797