Virtual surgical planning (VSP) and patient-specific implants are currently increasing for immediate jaw reconstruction after ablative oncologic surgery. This technique contributes to more accurate and efficient preoperative planning and shorter operation time. The present retrospective, single-center study analyzes the influence of time delay caused by VSP vs. conventional (non-VSP) reconstruction planning on the soft and hard tissue resection margins for necessary oncologic safety. A total number of 104 cases of immediate jaw reconstruction with free fibula flap are included in the present study. The selected method of reconstruction (conventionally, non-VSP: n = 63; digitally, VSP: n = 41) are analyzed in detail. The study reveals a statistically significant (p = 0.008) prolonged time to therapy initiation with a median of 42 days when the VSP method compared with non-VSP (31.0 days) is used. VSP did not significantly affect bony or soft tissue resection margin status. Apart from this observation, no significant differences concerning local tumor recurrence, lymph node, and distant metastases rates are found according to the reconstruction method, and affect soft or bone tissue resection margins. Thus, we conclude that VSP for immediate jaw reconstruction is safe for oncological purposes.
Keywords: fibula free flap; head and neck tumor; oral cancer; virtual surgical planning.