[The usefulness of computer-aided navigation in endoscopic sinus and nasal surgery]

The usefulness of computer-aided navigation in endoscopic sinus and nasal surgery. Endoscopic surgeries of the sinuses are among the most difficult procedures in otolaryngology. The progress of endoscopic techniques led to reduction of invasiveness enabling the surgeon to perform precise procedures with minimal tissue traumatization. The systems for computer-aided endoscopic surgery combine preprocedural MRI or CT data with information regarding current location of the surgical tools. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of electromagnetic navigation system ENTrak 3500 in endoscopic nasal and sinus surgery. The study group consisted of 18 consecutive patients with maxillary or ethmoid sinusitis with concomitant nasal polyps, who were surgically treated in ENT Clinic Military Medical Institute in October 2003. In all patients the endoscopic nasal and sinus surgery with the use of computer-aided navigation was successful with complete removal of pathologic lesions within the cavities of the nose, maxillary and/or ethmoid sinuses.