The evaluation of navigation surgery in nose and paranasal sinuses

Abstract

At present, the navigation operation is carried out in approximately 30 domestic otolaryngology facilities Although there are many articles reporting the navigation operation, in the present, the following issues; the necessity and indication of operation, system device and instruments, and training system were re-evaluated in the field of nose and paranasal sinuses. The latest navigation system with high accuracy indicated that the discrepancy of anatomical site in between the surgical field and CT images depended on the surgeon's experience; such as anatomical knowledge and career of operation, and target organ. The navigation system is a useful tool for surgeons to confirm the accuracy of itself before surgery and to compliment the error. Although the new system with high-performance is appearing, it seems to be going to bipolarize in future by the usefulness and application. One is excellent for the level of university hospital with the full functions in advanced and high-performance system, and the other is the model for the level of private clinic with the minimum functions and handiness. Regarding the surgical indication, chronic sinusitis (revision case), multialveolar paranasal cysts and anomaly like a choanal atresia seemed to be absolute indication. As an application to the surgical training, an image-guided paranasal sinus model combined with navigation system is useful for the repeated self-learning and improvement in the surgical skill.