[Endonasal removal of a large recurrent craniopharyngioma using intraoperative navigation]

In recent years computer-navigation systems have been commonly used in the field of otorhinolaryngology. Taking its limitations and possible failures into account, this technology is considered reasonable and helpful in routine paranasal sinus surgery, particularly in revision cases and complex approaches to the lateral skull base. We report on a patient with a large recurrent craniopharyngioma, and show that the use of intraoperative navigation might even be necessary to accomplish the desired postoperative outcome in certain cases. Future developments will demonstrate whether computer assisted surgery can extend the indications for operative procedures in complex anatomical regions.