Our Summary

This research paper looks at the effectiveness of a surgical technique called piezosurgery in craniofacial surgeries, compared to traditional bone-cutting methods. Craniofacial surgeries involve the head, skull, face, neck, and jaws.

The researchers looked at 39 studies in total and found that most were published in the last five years and were randomized controlled trials (the gold standard in scientific research). The patients in these studies were on average 27 years old.

The key findings of this research are that compared to traditional methods, piezosurgery resulted in less sensory disturbance and pain three days after surgery, particularly in surgeries involving the lower jaw. However, there was no significant difference in the length of time spent in the operating room or the time taken to perform the bone cutting part of the surgery (osteotomy).

The researchers also noted that the majority of the studies were similar in their methodology and were of high quality. Only a small proportion had a high risk of bias.

In conclusion, the researchers found that piezosurgery has significant benefits over traditional methods in craniofacial surgery. They suggest that future studies should look at whether it is cost-effective and whether it reduces blood loss, swelling/bruising, and improves patient satisfaction.

FAQs

  1. What is piezosurgery and how does it compare to traditional bone-cutting methods in craniofacial surgeries?
  2. What were the key findings of the research regarding the use of piezosurgery in craniofacial surgeries?
  3. What future research do the researchers suggest regarding the use of piezosurgery in craniofacial surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about craniofacial surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully. This may include avoiding certain medications before surgery, maintaining good oral hygiene, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. Additionally, it is important to communicate any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome.

Suitable For

Patients who may benefit from craniofacial surgery include those with congenital abnormalities such as cleft lip and palate, craniosynostosis, or facial asymmetry. Other patients who may benefit from craniofacial surgery include those with traumatic injuries to the face or skull, patients with tumors or other growths affecting the head or neck, and those with obstructive sleep apnea or other breathing difficulties due to structural issues in the face or skull.

Overall, craniofacial surgery can help improve both the function and appearance of the head and face, leading to better quality of life for patients. It is important for patients considering craniofacial surgery to consult with a qualified surgeon to determine if they are a good candidate for the procedure and to discuss the potential risks and benefits.

Timeline

Overall, the timeline of what a patient experiences before and after craniofacial surgery involves:

Before surgery:

  • Consultation with a surgeon to discuss the procedure
  • Pre-operative tests and evaluations
  • Planning and preparation for the surgery

During surgery:

  • Anesthesia is administered
  • The surgery is performed using either traditional bone-cutting methods or piezosurgery
  • The length of the surgery varies depending on the complexity of the procedure

After surgery:

  • Recovery in the hospital for a few days
  • Pain management and monitoring for any complications
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon for post-operative care and monitoring
  • Rehabilitation and physical therapy if needed

Overall, the goal of craniofacial surgery is to improve the function and appearance of the patient’s head and face, and to enhance their quality of life. With advances in surgical techniques like piezosurgery, patients can experience less pain and sensory disturbance after surgery, leading to a faster and smoother recovery process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

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

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with craniofacial surgery?
  2. What is the expected recovery time after craniofacial surgery?
  3. How long will I need to stay in the hospital after the surgery?
  4. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions?
  5. What are the expected outcomes of the surgery in terms of function and appearance?
  6. How many craniofacial surgeries have you performed, and what is your success rate?
  7. Are there alternative treatment options to craniofacial surgery that I should consider?
  8. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  9. Will I need any additional procedures or treatments in conjunction with the craniofacial surgery?
  10. Can you provide me with any information or resources to help me prepare for the surgery and recovery process?

Reference

Authors: McGuire C, Boudreau C, Prabhu N, Hong P, Bezuhly M. Journal: Plast Reconstr Surg. 2022 Jan 1;149(1):183-195. doi: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000008645. PMID: 34936620