Navigation as a tool to visualize bone-covered hidden structures in transfrontal approaches.

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Skull Base Surgery
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Extranasal frontal skull base surgery requires precise identification of frontal sinus borders to prevent complications like dural damage or mucoceles.
• Traditional craniotomy approaches carry risks, including frontal lobe compression, leading some surgeons to avoid them.
• Bone malformations or destruction can further complicate anatomical landmark identification and increase surgical risks.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the applicability and benefits of navigation systems in extranasal frontal skull base surgery.
• To compare computer-assisted surgery (CAS) with conventional craniotomy techniques.
• To assess the role of navigation in pre-surgical planning and intraoperative guidance.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 10 patients undergoing extranasal frontal skull base surgery.
• Comparison of conventional surgical approaches (transfrontal, transbasal, subcranial) with navigated procedures.
• Utilized two distinct navigation systems for surgical guidance.

Main Results:

• Computer-assisted surgery (CAS) is applicable and beneficial for extranasal frontal skull base surgery.
• CAS serves as a noninvasive quality management instrument compared to X-ray guided craniotomy.
• Navigation systems facilitate precise pre-surgical simulation for optimized craniotomy and reconstruction.

Conclusions:

• Navigation systems represent a valuable tool for improving safety and precision in extranasal frontal skull base surgery.
• CAS offers advantages over conventional methods by enabling better planning and intraoperative accuracy.
• The use of navigation systems can potentially reduce surgical morbidity and improve patient outcomes.