Navigation-Assisted Removal Of Foreign Bodies In Craniomaxillofacial Space

Many patients have foreign bodies in their wounds after oral and craniomaxillofacial trauma, and the complex anatomy makes their removal both difficult and risky. This paper aims to standardize the procedure of navigation-assisted removal of foreign bodies in oral and craniomaxillofacial areas. 48 patients with foreign bodies in the oral and craniomaxillofacial area were included in this study. Preoperatively, computed tomography (CT) scan was performed on all patients. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) or computed tomography angiography (CTA) was necessary to be used if foreign bodies closed the important veins. Surgery was scheduled over 2 weeks after entry of the foreign body. Minimally invasive incisions were designed closest to the foreign body. The navigation system Accu-Navi A (Universal Enterprises Group Co, Shanghai, China) was used for virtual surgical planning and intraoperative navigation. In all 48 cases, foreign bodies were removed successfully in a minimally invasive manner without any complications, and follow-up at 3 to 6 months showed satisfaction for all patients. This study summarizes the experience in the removal of oral and craniomaxillofacial foreign bodies. Firstly, for foreign bodies located near critical vascular structures, DSA or CTA examinations are essential. Secondly, navigation shows high precision for foreign bodies that have been present in the wound for over two weeks. Lastly, incisions should be placed closest to the foreign body, with tissue separation following the shortest path for a minimally invasive outcome. Surgical navigation technology is a reliable option for the removal of oral and craniomaxillofacial foreign bodies.