High-definition 3D exoscope-assisted soft palate excision and reconstruction.

The 3D exoscope is a surgical visualization and magnification tool that has been recently introduced in microvascular anastomoses. However, other surgical scenarios, such as transoral surgery which has a limited surgical field visualization, may benefit from this technology as well. The 3D exoscope was used to perform the transoral excision of a tumor of the soft palate, the free flap harvesting and its insetting to reconstruct the intraoral defect, and perform the microvascular anastomosis. The 3D exoscope provided excellent visualization of the surgical field which greatly contributed to optimal surgical precision of each step involved in the excision and reconstruction. In addition, this technology enabled the surgeons to maintain ergonomic posture and gave the residents and students the chance to carefully follow and learn the surgical procedure step by step. This advanced technology has proven to benefit each phase of transoral demolition and reconstruction.