Complex Reconstructions Integrate Virtual Surgical Planning and Dentistry
Wednesday, February 10, 2021
By: Rachel Reed

Physicians like Suhael Momin, M.D. of the Department of Otolaryngology are using innovative new techniques to create better outcomes for patients requiring complex reconstruction after the removal of an oral cavity tumor.

With oral cavity tumors, sometimes parts of the jawbone must be removed to completely eliminate the cancer. Afterward, reconstructive efforts typically use pieces of the patient’s own leg bone to build back the jaw. Today, these efforts are aided by virtual surgical planning (VSP), which allows Dr. Momin’s team to collaborate with hospital dentistry to plan each surgery to get the best result for each patient.

Before the tumor removal surgery, Dr. Momin uploads bone CT data from the patient to a VSP partner company, which then uses computer modeling to construct guides and a surgical plan for that specific patient. Dr. Momin can then conduct the tumor removal surgery with the highest degree of accuracy and ensure appropriate space for the patient’s future implant—down to a millimeter. This collaborative effort ensures better outcomes for patients—and ultimately a higher quality of life after surgery.