Analysis of cost and outcomes in bony versus soft tissue midface free flap reconstruction.

BACKGROUND

Outcomes and cost of soft tissue versus bony midface free flap reconstruction (MR) with and without virtual surgical planning (VSP) were evaluated.

METHODS

Retrospective review of MR including ischemic time (IT), operative duration (OD), length of stay (LOS), and total cost (TC). Eighty-one soft tissue and 76 bony MR (VSP = 23) were reviewed.

RESULTS

Bony MR was used for higher complexity defects (p = 0.003) and was associated with higher IT (p < 0.001), OD (p < 0.001), LOS (p = 0.032), and TC (p < 0.001). VSP was associated with a mean 111.2 ± 37.9 minute reduction in OD (p = 0.004) compared to non-VSP bony flaps. VSP was associated with higher itemized cost, but no increase in TC (p = 0.327).

CONCLUSIONS

Bony MR was used for higher complexity MR and was associated with increased TC, LOS, OD, and IT. VSP shortened OD with no significant increase in TC.