Philipp Becker, Alexander-N Zeller, Elisabeth Goetze, Behrus Puladi, Frank Hölzle, Jürgen Hoffmann, Jan Dirk Raguse, Kai Wermker, Andreas Pabst
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose: This study aims to analyze microvascular reconstruction in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS) in Europe.
Methods: Based on previous studies, a dynamic online questionnaire was developed and subjected to internal and external evaluation. The questionnaire comprised multiple-choice, rating, and open-ended questions, addressing general and specific aspects and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on microvascular reconstruction in OMFS in Europe. It was implemented into SurveyMonkey's® online survey software and emailed to OMFS departments registered with the European Association for Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery (EACMFS).
Results: Seventy-five participants from 23 European countries participated. Among them, 89% perform between 1 and 70 microvascular free flaps (MFF) annually. 38% of the participants reported a reduction in MFF due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The radial forearm (41% of participants) and fibula free flap (31%) are the most reported MFF. In most cases (59%), MFF procedures are exclusively performed by OMFS for OMFS patients, while 43% of participants reported cooperations with plastic surgeons to perform MFF for OMFS patients. Many participants prefer arterial end-to-end anastomoses (54%) using the facial artery (54%) and, if available, two venous anastomoses (68%). Low molecular weight heparin is the most used postoperative anticoagulant, reported by 67% of participants. For flap monitoring, clinical assessment and Doppler ultrasound are preferred by most participants (95% and 78%, respectively). Many participants (66%) indicated that tracheotomy is only performed when necessary. Differences were observed in relation to CAD/CAM (Computer-Aided Design/Computer-Aided Manufacturing) techniques, types of osteosynthesis, and dental implant treatment.
Conclusion: This study highlighted variability in microvascular reconstruction in OMFS in Europe. Further studies are needed to assess these aspects in detail.
期刊介绍:
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery founded as Mund-, Kiefer- und Gesichtschirurgie is a peer-reviewed online journal. It is designed for clinicians as well as researchers.The quarterly journal offers comprehensive coverage of new techniques, important developments and innovative ideas in oral and maxillofacial surgery and interdisciplinary aspects of cranial, facial and oral diseases and their management. The journal publishes papers of the highest scientific merit and widest possible scope on work in oral and maxillofacial surgery as well as supporting specialties. Practice-oriented articles help improve the methods used in oral and maxillofacial surgery.Every aspect of oral and maxillofacial surgery is fully covered through a range of invited review articles, clinical and research articles, technical notes, abstracts, and case reports. Specific topics are: aesthetic facial surgery, clinical pathology, computer-assisted surgery, congenital and craniofacial deformities, dentoalveolar surgery, head and neck oncology, implant dentistry, oral medicine, orthognathic surgery, reconstructive surgery, skull base surgery, TMJ and trauma.Time-limited reviewing and electronic processing allow to publish articles as fast as possible. Accepted articles are rapidly accessible online.Clinical studies submitted for publication have to include a declaration that they have been approved by an ethical committee according to the World Medical Association Declaration of Helsinki 1964 (last amendment during the 52nd World Medical Association General Assembly, Edinburgh, Scotland, October 2000). Experimental animal studies have to be carried out according to the principles of laboratory animal care (NIH publication No 86-23, revised 1985).