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CT scan time in maxillofacial reconstruction shorter for experienced surgeons

In maxillofacial reconstruction cases, although intraoperative CT scanning is rapid overall regardless of the complexity of the case, surgeons most experienced with the software had the shortest overall scan times, according to research findings.

Researchers retrospectively identified 38 maxillofacial reconstruction cases that utilized intraoperative CT scanning between January 2012 and March 2014. The researchers measured the time needed for intraoperative CT scans and analyzed any apparent trends. Study covariates included age, sex, complexity of fracture (routine or complex), procedure type and total scan time.

The researchers found the most common type of fracture in both the routine and complex groups were isolated orbital fractures.

Overall mean total scan time was 14.5 minutes, which did not differ based on the complexity of the case.

Intraoperative revisions were most common among patients in the complex fracture group compared with those in the routine fracture group and were performed in nine of the 38 cases.

During the study period, no reduction in total scan time occurred, according to the researchers. However, the mean total scan time for the surgeon most experienced with the intraoperative CT software was 3.78 minutes shorter than other surgeons as a whole. – by Abigail Sutton

Disclosure: The authors have no relevant financial disclosures.