Mayo Clinic head and neck surgeons

Oral Cavity Cancer and Reconstruction

Through collaboration with Mayo Clinic's forward-thinking Department of Radiology, the Division of Head and Neck Cancer and Reconstructive Surgery was an early adopter in developing in-house 3D modeling and virtual surgical planning to improve treatment and reconstruction options for patients with oral cavity cancer.

With Mayo Clinic radiologists and 3D anatomical engineers, head and neck cancer and reconstructive surgery researchers have developed individualized surgical reconstructive guides, anatomical models for intraoperative reference, education materials and simulation exercises. These innovations have resulted in several publications and have improved surgeons' ability to restore form and function to patients.

As with many of the diseases treated in the Department of Otolaryngology — Head and Neck Surgery, there is much to be learned from the realities of patient care. The department therefore maintains a detailed database for investigations into patient outcomes. This is a significant resource for researchers interested in oral cavity cancer and reconstruction and for current and future patients who benefit from their findings.

Related publications: