Navigation-guided resection of locally advanced midface malignancies. Does it improve the safety of oncologic resection?

Adaptation of virtual surgical planning to midface reconstruction with intraoperative navigation: "navigation mediated midface reconstruction"

OBJECTIVE

The production of 3-dimensional models and materials according to preoperative virtual surgical planning is a time-consuming process and causes high costs. We aimed to demonstrate the navigation mediated reconstruction of the patients who underwent the removal of a tumoral mass in midfacial region according to their preoperatively prepared surgical plannings.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients who underwent the removal of tumoral mass and reconstruction in their midfacial region were included in the study. Virtual surgical planning was performed by the mirror imaging of the unaffected side of the maxillofacial bones. New created models were converted to Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data to use in the navigation system. Histogram analysis was performed to reveal the compatibility of navigation mediated reconstruction with preoperative virtual surgical planning.

RESULTS

Reconstruction of orbital floor was achieved in all of the cases. Histogram comparison of the localizations of orbital floor and maxillary walls was calculated at a confidence level of 95% (P > .95) and mean difference was found 0.85 mm; whereas the standard deviation was 3.55 mm.

CONCLUSION

We found that virtually prepared reconstruction of midfacial area can be successfully adapted to the surgery with the assistance of an intraoperative navigation system. (Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol YEAR;VOL:page range).

Intraoperative surgical navigation improves margin status in advanced malignancies of the anterior craniofacial area: A prospective observational study with systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis

The current scientific evidence suggests that surgical navigation (SN) can contribute to improve oncologic outcomes in sinonasal and craniofacial surgery. The present study investigated the feasibility of intraoperative SN and its role in improving the outcomes of surgically treated sinonasal and craniofacial tumors. This prospective study compared navigation-guided surgery for sinonasal or craniofacial malignancies with a pair-matched cohort (1:2 matching) of patients operated without SN. A systematic review of the literature was performed. Thirty-five patients who underwent navigation-guided surgery were included. The pair-matched control cohort included 70 patients operated without SN. The margin status analysis demonstrated a lower rate of positive margins (p = 0.013) in the SN group, especially in pT4 (p = 0.034), recurrent (p = 0.024), high-grade tumors (p = 0.043), and endoscopic-assisted open surgery (p = 0.035). The mean preoperative time did not show a significant difference between surgeries performed with or without SN (1.26 vs. 1.23 h, p = 0.445). However, surgeries utilizing SN had a significantly longer median duration compared to those without (8.10 vs. 6.00 h, p = 0.029). A total of 209 patients were included in the meta-analysis; 91 patients (43.5 %) underwent surgery with SN. The results of the meta-analysis showed an improvement in terms of negative margins rate with the use of SN (OR = 2.62; 95%-confidence interval: 1.33-5.17). In conclusion, intraoperative SN can contribute to achieve a clear margin resection, especially in locally advanced tumors, recurrences, highly aggressive histologies, and when endoscopic-assisted open surgery is employed.

Intraoperative surgical navigation as a precision medicine tool in sinonasal and craniofacial oncologic surgery

INTRODUCTION

Recent evidence supports the efficacy of surgical navigation (SN) in improving outcomes of sinonasal and craniofacial oncologic surgery. This study aims to demonstrate the utility of SN as a tool for integrating surgical, radiologic, and pathologic information. Additionally, a system for recording and mapping biopsy samples has been devised to facilitate sharing of spatial information.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

SN was utilized for biopsy mapping in 10 sinonasal/craniofacial oncologic procedures. Twenty-five raters with experience in anterior skull base oncology were interviewed to identify 15 anatomical structures in preoperative imaging, relying on topographical descriptions and surgical video clips. The difference in the localization of anatomical structures by raters was analyzed, using the SN-mapped coordinates as a reference (this difference was defined as spatial error).

RESULTS

The analysis revealed an average spatial error of 9.0 mm (95 % confidence interval: 8.3-9.6 mm), with significant differences between surgeons and radiation oncologists (7.9 mm vs 12.5 mm, respectively, p < 0.0001). The proposed model for transferring SN-mapped coordinates can serve as a tool for consultation in multidisciplinary discussions and radiotherapy planning.

CONCLUSIONS

The current standard method to evaluate disease extension and margin status is associated with a spatial error approaching 1 cm, which could affect treatment precision and outcomes. The study emphasizes the potential of SN in increasing spatial precision and information sharing. Further research is needed to incorporate this method into a multidisciplinary workflow and measure its impact on outcomes.

The Use of Dynamic Navigation Systems as a Component of Digital Dentistry

The development of dynamic navigation system (DNS) has facilitated the development of modern digital medicine. In the field of dentistry, the cutting-edge technology is garnering widespread recognition. Based on the principles of 3-dimensional visualization, virtual design, and precise motion tracking, DNS is mainly composed of a computer, a tracking system, specialized tracer instruments, and navigation software. DNS employs a workflow that begins with preoperative data acquisition and imaging data reconstruction, followed by surgical instrument calibration and spatial registration, culminating in real-time guided operations. Currently, the system has been applied in a broad spectrum of dental procedures, encompassing dental implants, oral and maxillofacial surgery (such as tooth extraction, the treatment of maxillofacial fractures, tumors, and foreign bodies, orthognathic surgery, and temporomandibular joint ankylosis surgery), intraosseous anesthesia, and endodontic treatment (including root canal therapy and endodontic surgery). These applications benefit from its enhancements in direct visualization, treatment precision, efficiency, safety, and procedural adaptability. However, the adoption of DNS is not without substantial upfront costs, required comprehensive training, additional preparatory time, and increased radiation exposure. Despite challenges, the ongoing advancements in DNS are poised to broaden its utility and substantially strengthen digital dentistry.

Custom CAD/CAM Peek Implants for Complex Orbitocranial Reconstruction: Our Experience with 15 Patients

Bone defects within the cranio-orbital complex present unique challenges in terms of surgical planning and reconstruction. This article presents a novel approach using PEEK material and advanced surgical technologies to address these challenges. A retrospective analysis of 15 patients who underwent craniofacial reconstruction using patient-specific polyetheretherketone (PEEK) implants between 2016 and 2021 was carried out. Comprehensive preoperative planning was performed, utilizing advanced imaging techniques and specialized software for virtual surgical planning. Patient-specific PEEK PSIs were designed and manufactured based on the preoperative plan. Intraoperative navigation was used to guide the surgical procedure, enabling precise osteotomy and optimal implant placement. This article describes the step-by-step process and the tools utilized in each phase. The etiologies were as follows: meningioma in seven cases, benign lesions in five cases, malignant tumors in two cases, and trauma sequelae in one case. In all cases, 3D-printed PEEK implants were utilized to achieve precise reconstruction. No major complications were described. In one case, an implant replacement was needed with successful outcomes. Our study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of using PEEK patient-specific implants for personalized craniofacial reconstruction. The combination of advanced imaging, virtual planning, and CAD-CAM technology contributes to improved surgical outcomes in terms of oncologic margin control, functional restoration, and aesthetic results.