BackgroundInfrared thermal imaging (IRTI) provides real-time visualization of tissue perfusion and may improve outcomes in flap-based reconstructive procedures. This study evaluated the impact of IRTI on complication rates following revision palatoplasty using a buccinator myomucosal flap (BMMF). MethodsA retrospective cohort study was performed on patients who underwent revision palatoplasty with BMMF between 2021 and 2024 at a single institution. Postoperative outcomes, including partial flap loss, dehiscence, and fistula formation, were compared between cases in which IRTI was utilized and those evaluated solely by traditional clinical assessment. A brief expected-cost analysis was performed. ResultsAmong 80 cases, 20 (25%) utilized IRTI for intraoperative flap evaluation and 60 (75%) did not. The overall complication rate was significantly lower in the IRTI group compared to the non-IRTI group (10% vs. 35%; p =. 032). Partial flap loss occurred in 5. 0% of IRTI cases versus 18. 3% of non-IRTI cases (p =. 139). No major complications occurred in the IRTI cohort, whereas 33. 3% (7/21) of complications in the non-IRTI group required operative intervention. With conservative estimates for revision surgery, this corresponded to approximately 10, 640 in savings per patient. ConclusionIntraoperative use of IRTI during revision palatoplasty with BMMF was associated with significantly lower complication rates and reduced severity of complications. By providing real-time, objective information about flap perfusion, IRTI may enhance intraoperative decision-making, improve flap viability, and reduce postoperative morbidity. These findings support IRTI as a cost-effective and noninvasive adjunct to standard clinical assessment in reconstructive surgery.
Tyson et al. (Wed,) studied this question.
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