Use of Intraoperative Cone Beam Computed Tomography and Superposition of Preoperative Data in Pediatric Maxillofacial Surgery

Purpose Over the last years, there has been an increase of utilization of intraoperative cone beam computed tomography (ICBCT) in maxillofacial surgery. Additional superimposition of preoperative data has proven to increase accuracy and reduce the necessity of secondary surgeries. The aims of this study were to describe the ICBCT protocol, its indications and surgical revision rate, as well as to discuss its advantages and disadvantages after two-years of experience. Methods A retrospective collection of all maxillofacial procedures using ICBCT in a pediatric maxillofacial surgery department from October 2020 to October 2022 was performed. A total of 106 patients were included. Results The total revision rate was 18.87%, but only 7.55% required a surgical major revision. A specific protocol for maxilla-mandibular surgery is described. Main advantages of ICBCT were improving surgical accuracy while decreasing the need for secondary corrective surgeries, avoiding extensive approaches; good bone image quality with low radiation exposure. On the other hand, main disadvantages were elevated costs, poor soft tissue image quality and increasing operative time. Conclusions ICBCT in combination with superimposition of preoperative data could be implemented in the daily routine of maxillofacial surgeries to increase surgical accuracy.