Image Guided Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Lim, Sang Chul

Abstract

The use of image guided endoscopic sinus surgery is becoming more popular. Image guided surgery (IGS) system (navigation system) allows realtime, intraoperative tracking of current location on preoperatively obtained image dataset. IGS is a valuable tool that may allow enable more radical surgical removal of disease. With help of image guidance, improved surgical outcome of the paranasal sinus and skull base diseases and decreased complication rate of endoscopic sinus surgery is anticipated. An IGS system consists of a computer workstation, image-processing software, a display monitor, a tracking system, and specialized instrumentation that can be tracked. There are two image guidance systems on the market: optical and electromagnetic tracking system. In this review, currently available technologies in the IGS are addressed. In addition, published articles regarding IGS are reviewed and discussed to investigate usefulness of IGS in treating diseases of the paranasal sinus and skull base. Contrary to previous articles, papers favoring impact of IGS have recently been published and endoscopic skull base surgery has gained its popularity over time and therefore, its use in the treatment of sinus disease can be justified. Although IGS is extremely useful for anatomic location in at-risk structures, it should be regarded as an adjuvant tool. First of all, accurate knowledge of anatomy and surgeon's experience is mandatory for effective control of diseases of the paranasal sinuses and skull base.