Emerging technologies in lateral craniofacial reconstruction

Abstract

Lateral craniofacial defects are particularly challenging to reconstruct due to the tissue variety and the complexity of the anatomical structures of the region. Technological advancements with the use of digital planning software have been increasingly utilized to assist the reconstructive surgeon to restore function and aesthetics in this location. The basic principle of "computer-assisted surgery" (CAS) relies in the ability to capture patients' images and manipulate them to virtually reproduce the surgical ablation and create a plan for reconstruction. In addition, by three-dimensional (3D) printing it became possible to obtain products derived from virtual planning such as patient-specific protheses and cutting guides to assist during tumor resection and reconstruction. Virtual technology has also been utilized intraoperatively with promising results. Perhaps the most recent and substantial technological innovation has been the application of bioengineering to reconstructive surgery. Three-dimensionally printed biomaterials, also known as scaffolds, have been developed with the capacity of stimulate new tissue formation by incorporating stem cells, with infinite theoretical applications. In the current era of reconstructive surgery where better results are pursued, defects in the lateral craniofacial region have obligated researchers to create an operation of the future. The possibility of combining CAS with scaffolds, stem cells, and free tissue transfer might represent a forthcoming paradigm in reconstructive surgery.