Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of the computer assisted surgery with the conventional free hand technique in mandibular resection and reconstruction regarding esthetics, function and the consumed time.

Methods: 8 patients who underwent mandibular resection and reconstruction were categorized according to the resection and the reconstructive technique: in the computer assisted surgery group, cutting guides and prebent reconstruction plates were used in resection and reconstruction while the conventional control group underwent traditional freehand osteotomies and intraoperative plate bending. A comparison was made between the 2 groups regarding demographic data, perioperative and postoperative outcomes.

Results: All patients achieved successful mandibular reconstruction procedures regarding both function and esthetics, the mean operation time and hospital stay postoperatively was reduced in the CAS group, but the difference between the 2 groups was insignificant.

Conclusion: Computer assisted resection and reconstruction of the mandible has a significant value regarding the simplicity and predictability of the surgery in the operating room, however it has no functional superiority compared to the free hand method, so the integration of virtual planning and guided surgery should be weighted individually case by case based on the cost-benefits value.