Multicentre evaluation of the interest in planned surgery for mandibular reconstruction with fibula free flap: a retrospective cohort study

Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the impact and cost-effectiveness of virtual surgical planning during fibula free flap mandibular reconstruction on peri- and postoperative data. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study from January 2012 to December 2016 in four French university centres. Results Three hundred fibula free flaps for mandibular reconstruction were performed in 294 patients. Surgeries were planned in 29.7% of cases (n = 89). There was no significant difference in the rate of negative-margins excision, median length of hospital stay, operative time, and early complications between planned and non-planned surgeries. Morphological analysis revealed a higher rate of centred occlusion in planned patients (satisfactory alignment of interincisal points: Planned 65.5% vs Non-Planned 33.3%, p = 0.006). Conclusion In mandibular reconstruction by fibula free flap, the additional cost generated by virtual surgical planning does not seem to be balanced by savings resulting from a shorter operative course, a reduced hospital stay, or a reduction in postoperative complications. However, virtual surgical planning may provide a higher rate of centred occlusion. Long-term benefits should be assessed by further studies.

Automated summary

This study aimed to assess the impact and cost-effectiveness of virtual surgical planning on fibula free flap mandibular reconstruction. The results show that while there was no significant difference in peri- and postoperative data between planned and non-planned surgeries, planned surgeries had a higher rate of centred occlusion. Further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term benefits of virtual surgical planning.