In the treatment of oral cancer, early diagnosis and precise surgical planning are crucial for improving patient survival rates and quality of life. However, oral cancer patients often face significant challenges in post-operative facial reconstruction, especially in the reconstruction of mandibular bone defects, where post-operative anatomical defects, functional loss, and aesthetic issues often have a profound impact on patients. To improve these issues, our medical team has combined advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Manufacturing (CAM) technologies to develop a mandibular reconstruction solution utilizing Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) technologies.
The innovation of this project lies in using 3D models for pre-operative planning and utilizing precise custom-made titanium mandibular prostheses (CMP) for surgical reconstruction. The patient's mandibular bone defect situation will be converted into a high-precision three-dimensional digital model. Physicians can perform virtual simulations using VR and AR technology to plan the optimal surgical approach in advance, thereby enhancing surgical precision and safety. This process can not only significantly reduce intraoperative complications but also achieve optimal structural, functional, and aesthetic outcomes post-operatively.
In clinical trials, we successfully applied this technology to Taiwan's first case of titanium mandibular defect reconstruction surgery. The project included a total of 7 patients. Through precisely fabricated custom titanium prostheses, all patients' surgical outcomes were stable with no displacement. Post-operatively, three patients were able to wear temporary dentures, and although two patients had instances of exposure, it did not affect the overall surgical outcome. Ultimately, the mandibular reconstruction results for all patients achieved the goals of structural stability, natural aesthetics, and functional recovery.
The application of this technology demonstrates the immense potential of VR and AR technologies in oral cancer surgery, playing a key role not only in improving surgical precision and predicting outcomes but also bringing better post-operative quality of life for patients. Through advanced virtual technology, this innovative surgical solution offers new hope for facial reconstruction for oral cancer patients and provides strong technical support for other types of clinical surgeries in the future, possessing significant clinical application value.