Combined application of virtual surgery and 3D printing technology in postoperative reconstruction of head and neck cancers

Abstract

BackgroundThe complex anatomy of the head and neck creates a formidable challenge for surgical reconstruction. However, good functional reconstruction plays a vital role in the quality of life of patients undergoing head and neck surgery. Precision medical treatment in the field of head and neck surgery can greatly improve the prognosis of patients with head and neck tumors. In order to achieve better shape and function, a variety of modern techniques have been introduced to improve the restoration and reconstruction of head and neck surgical defects. Digital surgical technology has great potential applications in the clinical treatment of head and neck cancer because of its advantages of personalization and accuracy.Case presentationOur department has identified the value of modern digital surgical techniques in the field of head and neck surgery and has explored its utility, including CAD/CAM technology and VR technology. We have achieved good results in the reconstruction of head and neck surgical resection defects.ConclusionIn this article, we share five typical cases from the department of head and neck surgery where the reconstruction was performed with the assistance of digital surgical technology.

Main Applications and Recent Research Progresses of Additive Manufacturing in Dentistry

“…FDA has cleared some 3D-printed devices for clinical use including orthopedics devices, surgical guides, and dental bridges [ 111 , 112 ]. In dentistry, the main applications and research directions of 3D printing include the following: three-dimensional stereoscopic image software combined with prototype models for anatomy teaching guidance [ 113 , 114 ], preoperative planning and drills [ 115 ], prognosis analysis and judgment [ 116 ], personalized treatment equipment, assistive devices and implants including personalized orthodontic brackets and accessories [ 117 , 118 ], restorations [ 119 ], trays [ 96 ], implants and surgical guides [ 120 , 121 ], and bioactive materials combined with living cells and growth factors to print tissues and organs with bioactive functions [ 122 , 123 ] ( Figure 4 ). Nevertheless, the bioprinting is still at the stage of printing biological scaffolds and needed further exploitation to mimic complex structure and function of natural tissues in the human body [ 124 ].…”

Digital Surgery Group Versus Traditional Experience Group in Head and Neck Reconstruction: A Retrospective Controlled Study to Analyse Clinical Value and Time-Economic-Social Effect

“…At the same time, the short-term and long-term postoperative complications were classi ed and compared in detail (Table 2). The evaluation was conducted with reference to the EORTC QLQ-H&N Module [9]. In addition, the postoperative functional and aesthetic indexes of the two groups were comprehensively evaluated (Table 3).…”

Procedure Increasing the Accuracy of Modelling and the Manufacturing of Surgical Templates with the Use of 3D Printing Techniques, Applied in Planning the Procedures of Reconstruction of the Mandible

“…Procedures related to the reconstruction of the facial skeleton [ 25 , 26 , 27 ], performed in patients requiring extensive resection of soft tissues and bones due to malignant tumours of the floor of the mouth and mandibular necrosis [ 28 , 29 , 30 ], are particularly demanding in terms of precision and the risk of complications. This work focuses on developing a procedure for reconstructing the mandible, which is the most specific bone structure in the stomatognathic system.…”