A retrospective review of 100 sequential patients (2009-2012) with head and neck cancer was performed to determine the frequency of 5 types of diagnostic delays and errors outlined by the Institute of Medicine. There were a total of 105 diagnostic delays/errors. The most common was delay in being seen in the otolaryngology clinic after referral placement (28.6%), followed by diagnostic error by the referring physician (22%), delay in referral of a symptomatic patient to the otolaryngology clinic (16.2%), delay in employing an appropriate diagnostic test or procedure (15.2%), delay in action following reporting of pathology or imaging results for an incidental lesion (11.4%), diagnostic error by the otolaryngology clinic (2.8%), delay in action following reporting of pathology or imaging results for the symptomatic lesion (2.8%), and use of outmoded tests or therapy (1%). Increased awareness of these types of delays/errors will direct actions and processes to reduce or eliminate them.
Preoperative planning for midface reconstruction requires a deep understanding of the aesthetic, functional, and supportive roles this structure holds. Computer assistance allows the creation of custom made implants, providing the reconstructive surgeon with innovative options for reconstruction with minimal morbidity to the patient. As the technology around the design and creation of the custom implants continues to improve, the role of computer assistance in reconstruction will become more prominent.
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