Value of microvascular surgery in academic oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Purpose: The specialty of oral and maxillofacial surgery has witnessed a large trend of inclusion of maxillofacial oncology and microvascular reconstructive surgery within its scope of practice in recent years. The purpose of this report is to describe the authors' experience with a very active oncologic and microvascular reconstructive surgical service within an academic oral and maxillofacial surgical program at a large university teaching hospital.

Materials And Methods: The operative log from July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011, of 325 operations devoted to head and neck oncology and reconstruction was examined. Thirty-nine patients (group A) received a pedicled flap for head and neck reconstruction. Sixty-three patients (group B) received a microvascular free tissue transfer for head and neck reconstruction. Financial records of 20 consecutive patients who underwent simultaneous ablative and reconstructive procedures in each group were then reviewed for total hospital charges, including direct (surgical fees) and indirect (hospital stay, operating room expenses, and ancillary services) charges, and length of stay.

Results: Total hospital charges and direct surgical fees, were higher for the microvascular reconstruction group (group B). Length of hospital stay was not statistically different between the two groups.

Conclusions: Microvascular reconstructive surgery performed within an academic oral and maxillofacial surgical program has many financial and intangible benefits within a medical center.